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ABDUCTION

SUN CITY GIRLS: You're Never Alone with a Cigarette (Singles Volume 1) CD (ABD 040CD) 22.00
Recorded in July of 1988 during the sessions that produced Sun City Girls' most popular recording, these nine tracks represent the other half of songs which were originally prepared as a 2LP demo version of Torch of the Mystics for Placebo Records in 1989. The sequencing of all 20 tracks at the time was entirely different with the predominately instrumental tracks in this collection mixed in and around the mostly vocal tracks of what became Torch. Placebo went out of business shortly after this proposed 2LP idea was presented to them but Majora Records quickly stepped in to begin releasing most of the material. Included here are five tracks from early Majora singles: "100 Pounds of Black Olives" and "The Fine-Tuned Machines of Lemuria" (the complete unreleased 12-minute version) from the single "You're Never Alone with a Cigarette" and all three tracks from Record #1 of the double 7" Three Fake Female Orgasms -- "Plaster Cupids Falling from the Ceiling," "The Beauty of Benghazi," and "Souvenirs from Jangare." The short piece "Harmful Little Armful" is from the triple 7" box set Bruce Lee, Heroin, and the Punk Scene (from a Bay Area label Massacre at Central High) and rounding out the set are three unreleased studio tracks recorded the same day as much of the Torch LP: never before heard versions of "Amazon One," "Sev Acher," and "Wild World of Animals." This is the first of a multi-volume set of reissued singles, compilation, and unreleased tracks to be assembled and sequenced to play as full-length records. Vinyl editions may also appear in time.

ALIEN8 RECORDINGS (CANADA)

MENACE RUINE: Cult of Ruins CD (ALIEN 075CD) 21.00
"Hailing from the frozen north of the province of Québec comes the duo cloaked in mystery, simply known as Menace Ruine. Since the release of their blazing self-produced demo, In Vulva Infernum, they have allowed themselves to perform live and over the course of the last year have quickly risen to the top of the food chain in Montreal. At Alien8 Recordings, we have flirted with the outer circles of metal through our three releases from Nadja and now, with Montreal's Menace Ruine, we dive further into its darkened depths. On Cult of Ruins one is subjected to a blend of super-intense sound layered with horrific howls and relentless blast beats, only to then be confronted with a melodic and haunting ambient approach that still retains immense power. In this respect, Menace Ruine bare some resemblance to the mysterious French post-black metal horde, Deathspell Omega who have become famous for juxtaposing ambient music with absolutely crushing metal. Standout cuts on the Cult of Ruins include 'Dove Instinct,' which opens up with a beautifully haunting intro constructed with the use of controlled feedback that would not appear out of place on a recording from fellow Canadians, Nadja. Eventually the noise subsides and gives way to a wave of ambient brutality that is both ear-rattling and pretty at the same time. The album's second song, 'Sky as a Reversed Abyss,' opens on the ambient tip and moves at a much slower pace than much of the recording, serving mainly to build on the band's mystical feel before dissolving into the breakneck pace of 'Kill the Egregore.' 'Bonded By Wyrd' is an absolute standout track that is spearheaded by an incredibly catchy riff, backed with droning melodic vocals. An occult vibe runs through most of the album, but it is particularly felt on this cut. This song is the band's current live hit and for good reason, as it seems to empower the listener."

ARBOR

AXOLOTL/INCA ORE: Inner Voices/Nerve Language 7" (ARBOR 017EP) 8.50
"Karl Bauer and Eva Saelens (Axolotl and Inca Ore respectively) are two like-minded Bay area psychers operating on two opposing levels. Axolotl marks the A-side with skyward streaking drones and ethereal loops tinged and focused, ringing with the joyous bliss of upward passage. An endless array of vocals, electronics, and violin looping and looping, building and growing: stasis. Inca Ore makes her craft from an Earth-bound level. Oneness with her surroundings, roots firmly planted. Eerie incantations and meandering harp play foreground to layer upon layer of looped vocals and murky ambience, charting your way towards forever. In an edition of 450 white purity colored 7"s in black and white pro-printed collage fold-over sleeves by Eva with a numbered insert."

BLACK MONK: Flowstone LP (ARBOR 020LP) 16.00
"Flowstoned and dethroned, finally. Last year's bored/burning summer spell of Eagle Rock entropy birthed a numb drum 'n drones duo dubbed Black Monk. The aesthetic of inept, free-punk drumming and red-eyed, void-surfing low-end infinity found output on two micro-limited cassette releases (one on Buried Valley, one on Zac/Lambsbread's Maim & Disfigure) and one weedian live show (in Tempe, AZ) and then the scholars split to separate coasts. Fortunately for us/you, Flowstone comes crawling outta the caverns of a babeless summer on a slab of black wax, collecting their out-of-print Murmur CS and half the V CS, plus an unreleased side-long wasteoid-land of subterranean percussion and roaring magma. Just in time for 2012. Black vinyl LPs in stark pro-printed fold-over covers plus a poster of arcane team scribble by BM. Limited to 270. Co-released with Not Not Fun."

WARMTH: Warmth LP (ARBOR 041LP) 18.00
"Even though Warmth main man Steev Thompson still appears to be incommunicado, totally epic recordings continue to surface. Before Roxanne Jean Polise was officially over and Steev still lived in Chicago, he joined up with another then-Chicago resident Branden Diven of Quilts/American Grizzly Records. The jams that were created filled a couple of CD-Rs and the Warmth side of the split with Quintana Roo on Not Not Fun. This LP consists of a remixed and edited version of the original CD-R running at just under 45 minutes. Forgotten smog floats through a Northside basement. Sounds emanate but their source is totally unrecognizable. Quiet growing tonal blobs erupt into washes of aural color. A complete union of samplers, synths, vocals, guitar, organs, percussion, and electronics merge to create the sounds contained within; a loss of individual existence. Completely serene. In an edition of 300 LPs on creamy yellow marbled vinyl with hand-stamped labels in pro-printed and screened fold over sleeves with art by Roy Tatum and an insert by Steev."

YOUTH OF THE BEAST: Lantern 7" (ARBOR 046EP) 5.50
"Youth of the Beast is pure primitive electronics, suffocating saxophone scrawl and epic percussion. Acting as the solo output for Raccoo-oo-oon's Andy Spore, this record is YOTB's first vinyl offering following up a few tapes on Night People and Fuck It Tapes. Blistering vocal screeches and mixer feedback blasts meld with stray tones as brass wails and drums are pounded. Spore is a master of channeling the spirits right into the basement where he crafts his jams, creating a captivating mass of noise and psychedelic signals crossing for a painfully beautiful 10 minutes. Breathless sax solos and massive tribal percussion interspersed throughout. The sum of all these parts is something intense, unknown; an ever-evolving sonic creature as bleak as it is restless. In an edition of 315 records with EPIC xeroxed double-sided/double foldover."

TRAUM: Built For Nothing LP (ARBOR 054LP) 18.00
One-sided LP. "Suburban Michigan is a breeding ground where every weirdo has a label, a band, and a handful of secret/under the radar collaborative projects. Here Graveyard's Ben Hall and Lambsbread's Zac Davis create a monolithic one-sider influenced by too many private press jazz records and abstract instrumentalism. Davis turns in his effect pedals for nothing; pure clean tones plucked up and down scales and bridges so uniquely that it is easy to confuse the guitar for a sax. Ben Hall drums like a man with four arms; constant rattling trap-tapping and assorted pots and pans clattering, flowing completely smoothly. A perfect union of sound. In an edition of 300 copies in screened chipboard sleeves by Anthony Decanini."

ARCANIA INTERNATIONAL

VA: Aliens Psychos & Wild Things Volume 1 CD (ARCANIA 001CD) 20.00
Repress of the 1st volume in this series (Volumes 2 & 3 are currently o/p). "Aliens Psychos & Wild Things Volume 1 is 1964-1969 garage punk and psychedelia from the Tidewater region (Norfolk, VA. Beach, etc.) of Virginia. Seven of the songs on the disc were licensed from Frank Guida, known for his #1 hits with Jimmy Soul and Gary 'U.S.' Bonds. Here his unique sound is applied to garage bands. Notable among songs never before available to the public is one by The Banana. Their take on The Velvet Underground's 'There She Goes Again' is the first documented cover of a VU song. Recorded in a tent by some G.I.s during the Vietnam war in 1967! All told, seven of the cuts are previously unissued. Now people everywhere can hear The Swinging Machine, feel The Heart Attacks, see The Wild Thing. Some of these original micro press 45s go for sums well into the upper hundreds of dollars... when they can be found. Going on 40 years, that is almost never. 16-page booklet. 26 songs. 69 minutes of music."

VA: Aliens Psychos & Wild Things Volume Fore CD (ARCANIA 008CD) 20.00
"Fore -- that's Volume 4 if you're counting. Arcania's Aliens series is primarily known for illuminating the shadow world of Virginia's mid-to-late '60s garage and psychedelic bands. The last Vol. (it's been almost 5 years) included half a dozen cuts from outside of VA. This is the reverse of that. Only half a dozen of the tracks on Fore are from the Old Dominion State. The roots of proto-psychedelia are to be heard on this compilation's first two tracks. Hollywood unknowns from 1965, never released until Arcania tracked them down: 'The Wind Blows Your Hair' is the same song recorded by The Seeds two years later. 'Don't Be Afraid' may have a very famous musician on it. 'It' is all in the notes of our 20-page booklet, along with loads of other info. FUZZ is the buzz word for this release, but there is some pop and jangle as well. All told, 7 of the 25 songs are previously unreleased. Only one song out of the batch has ever been reissued. Those that came out in the '60s are virtually unknown, even to most collectors. Unknown for now. But here comes Aliens Psychos & Wild Things... Fore! 20-page booklet. 25 songs. 74 minutes of music."

ARTHUR

ARTHUR: #28 March 2008 MAGAZINE (ARTHUR 028)
"On the cover: Diamanda Galás. Features: Reign Of Blood: Erik Morse tells the amazing-but-true, blood-drenched story of how fictional pulp criminal Fantomas begat numerous classics of early cinema and inspired the most revolutionary art movements of the 20th century; Guerrilla Warfare: What happens when bands play live where they're not supposed to? Paul Moody dissects the London guerrilla gig scene of the early '00s spawned by the Libertines. Plus: No Age's recent daylight guerrilla gig by the L.A. River, with photos by Joshua Pressman; The Woman Who Knows Too Much: Meet Diamanda Galás, avenging queen of the damned, obvious musical genius and the only person alive who's a fan of both Doris Day and Vlad the Impaler; The Girls Who Fell To Earth: Clothes make the alien. Photography and styling by Molly Frances and Mark Frohman. Also: I'm Just Sayin', Applied Magic(k), Zodiac, 21 Recently Discovered Delights, The Analog Life, Bull Tongue, C&D, comics." Arthur is a free publication and you may add a copy to your order at no cost while supplies last.

AUTOBUS

WEIRD WEEDS, THE: I Miss This CD (AUT 005CD) 19.00
"The Weird Weeds are a trio from Austin, TX that draws upon wildly divergent musical backgrounds and a common interest in non-traditional forms to create pop music that is experimental yet oddly palatable and well-conceived. Since 2003, they have released two full-length albums and one EP and have extensively toured the U.S. and Canada. Their members have collaborated with a huge array of musicians including Jandek, Tom Carter, Arnold Dreyblatt, The Cherry Blossoms, Xiu Xiu, and many more. For their third album (and first for Austin's Autobus Records) I Miss This, the band spent seven months recording at home and in the studio, a far more labor-intensive process than any previous record they've made. The album further develops their already highly refined approach, expanding their dynamic range and musical scope beyond 2005's acclaimed Weird Feelings. The songs go from the most raucous distorted guitar romps to the most delicate acoustic ballads, still continually indulging their penchant for complex harmonies, unconventional song structures, and strange noises. I Miss This is another meticulously crafted and beautifully executed album from a unique and talented band."

AZTEC MUSIC (AUSTRALIA)

MANDU: To The Shores Of His Heaven CD (AVS 031CD) 25.00
"The elusive and mysterious Mándu is known mainly for his impressive vocals on two Lobby Loyde albums (Obsecration and Live With Dubs). However, there is more to his story. Mándu arrived in Melbourne (from Qld.) in the early '70s with hopes of securing a record contract. With a series of unsuccessful bands behind him, the singer had developed a new persona (Mándu) and written a peerless batch of songs that would form the basis of his extraordinary concept album To The Shores Of His Heaven. Ex-pop star-turned-label boss John Blanchfield was so blown away by Mándu's audition that he signed him on the spot and immediately put him into Armstrong's studios to rehearse and record. Inspired by the organic approach used by Van Morrison for his classic Astral Weeks album, Blanchfield, with producer-engineer Ern Rose, set about creating a purpose built ensemble utilizing some of Australia's most talented and creative musicians -- including guitar maestro Phil Manning (Chain), bassist Barry Sullivan (Wild Cherries, Chain), and drummer Gary Young (Daddy Cool). Keyboard player Peter Sullivan also works wonders with his absolutely beautiful string arrangements. The resultant album, To The Shores Of His Heaven, is one of the best and most original records ever made in this country -- and a must-hear for fans of Tim Buckley, Van Morrison and Terry Reid -- at turns gentle and ethereal, spacious and mystical. Sadly, despite the stellar musical backing, a striking image, and Mándu's incredible voice, the album was a disappointing flop. A follow-up single, a highly original take on The Rolling Stones' classic 'Gimme Shelter,' suffered a similar fate and after that, Mándu turned his back on a solo career. He joined as vocalist in Lobby Loyde's Southern Electric in late 1975 and recorded the classic Obsecration album before leaving on the eve of the band's move to the UK. Apart from teaming up with Loyde on the 1980 LP Live With Dubs, there have been only sporadic sightings of Mándu, a disappointing end to such a promising start -- luckily, we have this classic to remember him by. To The Shores Of His Heaven has been digitally remastered by Gil Matthews, packaged in a 6-panel digipak with a 24-page book with liner notes by Ted Lethborg, a review from Ian McFarlane and rare photos."

HAREM SCAREM: Pilgrim's Progress CD (AVS 032CD) 25.00
"Harem Scarem emerged from Melbourne's mid-'80s indie scene, but, it could be argued, were closer in sound to classic Australian blues rock from a decade before (Dingoes, Coloured Balls, Chain, Rose Tattoo etc.). Their sound was infused with a heady mix of punk spirit and Stax soul that also made them contemporaries of the likes of The Gun Club and the Beasts Of Bourbon. Harem Scarem first appeared on the Melbourne psychobilly compilation Asleep at the Wheel. They soon developed (via the Dogman EP and some key line-up changes) into a powerhouse live act, where Christopher Marshall's extraordinary, passionate vocals combined with Charlie Marshall's Stones-y guitar. With the classic line-up of the Marshall brothers, Barry Palmer (guitar), Glen Sheldon (bass), Peter Jones (drums) and Chris Wilson (harmonica & sax), the band went into the studio with John Archer (Hunters & Collectors) and emerged with this, their masterful 1986 album: Pilgrim's Progress. A shock decision to disband on the verge of a national breakthrough robbed Australia of a fine band -- and one that is ripe for reappraisal. Aztec Music's deluxe reissue of Pilgrim's Progress has been remixed and digitally remastered. The liner notes are written by Clinton Walker, David Nichols, (singer) Charlie Marshall and (manager) Michael Lynch. There are 6 bonus tracks (2 previously unreleased) and many rare photos in a 24-page booklet."

BLA BLA (ITALY)

CAPSICUM RED: Appunti per un'Idea Fissa LP (BBL 11051LP) 36.00
"Based in Treviso, Capsicum Red were one more of these ignored progressive outfits in the crowded Italian prog scene of the '70s. They released this now very sought-after album in 1972 and they soon disbanded. The album is a very nice example of progressive rock with a classical influence, with strong use of keyboards. Now reissued on vinyl for the first time, with its gorgeous gatefold cover, label replicas and 180 gram vinyl."

BPITCH CONTROL (GERMANY)

FUNKE, SASCHA: Mango CD (BPC 167CD) 20.50
This is the second full-length release on BPitch Control by Berlin-based DJ and producer, Sascha Funke. After several 12" releases and remix projects, Sascha presents Mango, a fully-ripe evocation of the beauty of the six months he spent in Aix-en-Provence. Like its forerunner Bravo, you won't hear 08/15 speed-techno with 140 bpm -- but a fresh and direct, catchy sound that is the antidote to boredom. "Mango" and "We Are Facing The Sun" opens the release with warmth and "Feather" makes you picture elves dancing in a meadow. "Take A Chance With Me" builds it up, while "Summer Rain" cools things down. The gravelly-affected vocals on "Double Checked" are sung by Fritz Zander, and other guest musicians include Fritz Kalkbrenner and TimTim, whose sparsely twanged guitar creates a lot of space within the songs. "Lotre (Mehr Fleisch)" fits perfectly into the barbeque: the bass develops like embers and hides behind rhythms and sounds, until Sascha's vocals catch sparks. "Chemin Des Figons" is the beautiful street Sascha lived on a year ago in Aix-en-Provence, and you'll want to walk it again and again. Finally, "The Fortune Cookie" finishes everything off with a strident, harmonic sing-a-long that will fit everywhere, whether you're enjoying a nice day at the park or a crazy underground rave.

C.I.P.

ILLUSION OF SAFETY: Sedation & Quell 10" (CIP 021EP) 15.00
"For 25 years, Illusion of Safety has charted the terra incognita where sound, silence, noise and music intersect. Current audio emphasis includes electronic synthesis, computer composition and manipulation, musical reference, and close microphone recording. Side one is a pleasantly dense, yet not cluttered by any means, assemblage of diverse elements including an old typewriter, turntable pops/crackles, and what appears to be shortwave radio interference topped by subtle frequency and oscillation tweaks. Side two offers a beautiful counterbalance: after an initial punch announcing the track, we waver through numerous delicate swimming tones that are eventually subdued by a listing rhythmic faction suffused with other surprises."

CELESTIAL HARMONIES

PARSONS, DAVID: Surya CD (CH 13227CD) 21.00
"I wanted to create a more 'off-worldly' environment on this project. Surya is my tribute to the sun, and so this album leans a little more toward 'space-music' than a lot of my previous projects. The sounds and atmospheres are mainly generated by oscillators, rather than processed sound samples, to give a more electronic sound -- like the original analog systems that I first began composing with. Surya is the Hindu sun god. I always find track titles difficult as they tend to set in concrete a certain way of relating to the music. I would much prefer the listener to relate to the music in their own way. So the titles simply suggest what occurred to me during the composition and production process. The title track 'Surya' was inspired by the fluid light images of Lynn Augstein on her DVD Borealis. Composed on Kurzweil, Novation, Emu and Roland synthesizers, the tracks are, apart from a Varanasi (India) atmosphere on 'Alien Dreaming,' entirely electronic and all patches are programmed by me." --David Parsons. "From his homeland in New Zealand, David Parsons travels frequently to Asia for spiritual and musical inspiration. After collecting musical samples and studying different musical and cultural traditions, Parsons returns to his studio to integrate these influences with his own experiences. In the process, he bridges disparate elements with seamless grace, and creates a unique musical affirmation of our common humanity and cultural endowment. Parsons' recordings make the Eastern sensibility comprehensible to the Western listener and formulate a unique and captivating new expression. To Parsons' credit as a musician, composer and performer, he has evolved into a rare and highly-acclaimed producer of cultural music traditions. His work is often featured in film, television and radio scores, and continues to be widely praised by reviewers."

CHERRY RED (UK)

WEEKEND: Live At Ronnie Scotts CD (CDMRED 344CD) 22.00
"The first titled reissue of this seminal mini album, originally released on Rough Trade in 1983 by pop fusion innovators, Weekend. The CD features 10 bonus tracks including 3 previously unreleased versions of tracks that weren't included on the original album. These were sourced from a pirate recording of the original gig in March 1983. Other bonus tracks include 3 tracks from a David Jensen BBC session and a recording from the legendary TV music programme, Old Grey Whistle Test. The CD artwork has been expanded by original band member Spike Williams, and he has contributed some of his recollections of the night in question. Includes a 12-page booklet with a biography and discography. Weekend were formed after the demise of the respected band, Young Marble Giants who featured Alison Statton as vocalist. Weekend went on to release 3 singles and two albums before calling it a day. Two thirds of the band went on to work together with Alison Statton and Spike Williams, with remaining member Simon Booth forming Latin jazz soul band, Working Week."

COCODRILO (SPAIN)

FRANKLIN: Life Circle CD (HMPE 401CD) 23.00
"CD edition featuring the whole Franklin output: their two 45s, the unreleased Life Circle album remastered from the master tapes and a couple of rare live tracks. Includes liner notes and pictures." Please note that the CD packaging indicates there should be 2CDs, but that is a typo, this is a single CD release and all 15 tracks are on one disc -- same track listing as the double vinyl version.

FRANKLIN: Life Circle 2LP (JLA 401LP) 54.00
"Franklin were one of the first underground bands from Spain, formed in the late '60s by some of the best musicians based in Madrid at the time. Fuelled by the killer guitars of Pablo Weeber and Antonio Gª De Diego, they only recorded two sought after & excellent hard-psych 45s (the first one, containing their psyched to the max cover of the Stones 'Satisfaction' was recently included on the Andergraun Vibrations comp). In 1974, the band recorded a whole album which was never released until now. Their new line-up for those sessions featured two drummers and a new keyboard player. Life Circle is a conceptual album which sounds more prog-rock than their previous 45s, in fact we must say this is a must for anyone into Spanish progressive sounds. Nine tracks full of hard guitar, mini-Moog, Mellotron, analog keyboards, some spacey and experimental-symphonic passages, English vocals. Titles like 'Renaissance,' 'Intro for Cosmic Body,' 'Takeoff.' Double vinyl set, 500 copies limited, featuring the whole Franklin output: their two 45s, the unreleased Life Circle album remastered from the master tapes and a couple of rare live tracks. Includes insert with liner notes and photos.'

COCOON (GERMANY)

PIG&DAN: Deliverance 12" (COR 043EP) 11.00
Igor Tchkotoua and Dan Duncan are two Mallorquinos and one of the most exciting techno duos of our time and Deliverance delivers absolute proof of this. With a warmly distorted, pressing bass line and a smoky voice, the title track is a DJ tool that fits the minimal raver like a custom-made suit. "Sly Detector" is atmospheric techno with a rolling hookline and a splash of acid that is already a dancefloor hit.

CORWOOD INDUSTRIES

JANDEK: The Myth of Blue Icicles CD (COR 0790) 7.00
52nd Jandek release, and his first 2008 release thus far. Cover art features a smiling man in a striped shirt having his picture taken high in a building against the Houston city skyline. Sparse acoustic guitar and voice, 4 tracks: "Too Course," "Blue Icicles," "The Daze" and "There's No Door."

CRAY1LABWORKS (SPAIN)

MARTINEZ: Burning The Midnight Oil EP 12" (C1LW 013EP) 12.00
"Played by: Adam Beyer, Magda, Loco Dice, Tadeo, 2000 and One, Miss Kittin, Laurent Garnier, Joel Mull, X-Pansul, Matt Star. Groovie, dancefloor friendly and fresh is how the latest Martinez reference opens. It comes through Cray1labworks, again breaking frontiers, the Spanish label counts on the Danish genius Martínez, banner of Re:Connected, at the summit of current minimal. 'You' is an orgy of sound layers, frequencies and blurred voices. 'Stavanger' moves faster, with a vibrant percussion, overlapping and ever-changing. Dark minimal tech, remarkably complex & absolutely catchy. Perfect for even the most demanding clubs. 'Burning The Midnight Oil' opens with a rebellious force. Drums flying and bodies moving, the perfect mix between ritual & techno percussion. Suddenly it transforms into house: thick pads moving down your spine. And you are surrounded."

DIGITALIS

CURSILLISTAS: Wasp Stings The Last Bitter Flavor CD (ACE 006CD) 12

19.00
"Wasp Stings The Last Bitter Flavor marks the first widely available release from this Portland, Maine troubadour. The brains behind the project is Matt Lajoie and he is perhaps best known for his enchanted album on Time-Lag Records. His folk-inspired psychedelia reaches new heights on Wasp Stings as he puts together an album of lost songs, found hiding in a dank and dusty cellar. Lajoie's approach here is different. It's as if he's taken the negative space of his previous works and hashed them out and spruced them up until they've become epic, flowing songs whitewashed with a basket full of analog hiss. The whole thing flows together like magic poured straight from the sky. It's haunting, beautiful music. Cursillistas' music is often densely populated with a variety of instrumentation and textures. Lajoie is a master at molding sounds from a variety of sources into a cohesive, organic whole. This music, as with past efforts, sounds like an intimate secret whispered in the listener's ear. You feel as though you're being led into a world where very few lucky souls find their way. Lajoie's distinctive voice is the true weapon here, weaving hypnotic melodies over rivers of delicately strummed acoustic guitars. Wasp Stings The Last Bitter Flavor is his message in a bottle. It's a love letter to everyone and no one, and there's a lot to love here. Lajoie is joined by the inimitable Nemo Birdstrup (Time-Lag Records figurehead and the brains behind Drona Parva) and sometime MV & EE collaborator, Sparrow Wildchild."

EM RECORDS (JAPAN)

STEEL AN' SKIN: Reggae Is Here Once Again CD/DVD (EM 1075CD) 35.50
Outstanding steel pan, disco and dub CD + DVD release and the third installment in Em Records' Steel Pan Series. Steel 'N' Skin were an Afro-Caribbean workshop band based in 1970s London, founded by Peter Blackman, featuring ex-members of 20th Century Steel Band (Grandmaster Flash's fave). Comprised of young nightclub musicians born in Ghana, Nigeria, St. Kitts, Trinidad and the UK, the group gave concerts and workshops in London schools, expanding nationwide to prisons, psychiatric hospitals and summer festivals. The group combined an admirably brave, open and unironic mix of musical forms with community outreach, non-cynical and untainted by preachiness or "social work." Gratifyingly intricate African ritual rhythms and strong vocals compliment reggae, funk, disco and soul influences to form a relentless groove machine. This EM reissue consists of Steel 'N' Skin's 1979 debut 12" single "Reggae Is Here Once Again," featuring "Afro Punk Reggae (Dub)," a fine disco-dub workout, plus two tracks from their 1984 LP Acid Rain as well as one unissued track. The documentary DVD by Steve Shaw features perceptive commentary from Steel 'N' Skin's founder Peter Blackman, killer live and rehearsal footage of the band, workshop scenes and devastating views of inner-city Liverpool. Including liner notes written by Peter Blackman, English/Japanese text and rare photos. DVD running-time approximately 34 minutes; All-Region; NTSC.

ESOTERIC RECORDINGS (UK)

WEB: I Spider CD (ECLEC 2027CD) 25.00
"Classic progressive rock album, now 24-bit remastered from the original master tapes. I Spider is truly a lost classic of the progressive era. Originally released by Polydor Records in 1970, the album was influenced by the experiments of groups such as King Crimson, Gentle Giant et al, but was more than a mere clone of these bands. The group evolved from an excellent blues influenced band who released three albums for Deram, who then recruited keyboard player and writer Dave Lawson and recorded their final album. The musicianship on the album was excellent and Lawson's compositions were groundbreaking and memorable. The group soon evolved into Samurai (whose eponymous album is also released by Esoteric). This Esoteric reissue is remastered from the original master tapes and features two bonus tracks recorded live in Sweden in 1971, a booklet with previously unseen photographs and an interview with Dave Lawson."

HEAVEN: Brass Rock 1 CD (ECLEC 2030CD) 22.00
"Classic progressive jazz rock album reissued on CD officially for the first time. 24-bit remastered from the original master tapes. Heaven, a jazz rock group from Portsmouth, burst forth onto the British rock scene in 1970 when they appeared at the legendary Isle of Wight festival sharing a bill with The Who, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix et al. Making a stunning debut, the band (now managed by festival organizer Rikki Farr), soon secured a recording deal with CBS Records who signed the band for a large advance. The resulting double album Brass Rock 1 appeared in 1971, adorned in a lavish fold-out sleeve. Well received critically, the album failed to achieve the expected success and Heaven soon disbanded, leaving behind a fine example of classic jazz rock. Officially released on CD for the first time, this Esoteric Recordings reissue is digitally remastered from the original master tapes and restores the album artwork in full."

FACHMANN (GERMANY)

FACHMANN: Fachmann 001 12" (FACHMANN 001EP) 12.00
"Style: minimal." First in a probable series of anonymous releases, a la Kaliber.

FALLOUT (UK)

VA: The Rubble Collection Volumes 11-20 10CD BOX (FALLBOX 002CD) 105.00
Numbered, limited repressing of the legendary Rubble Collection Volumes 11-20 CD boxed set. Amongst the first and best psych compilations ever put together, each and every volume is a mind-blowing treasure trove of acid rock and pop from the late 1960s, and comes housed inside a slipcase card replica of the original LP artwork. Featuring famous names such as Blossom Toes, The Pretty Things and the Soft Machine alongside a myriad of lesser-known acts like The Purple Barrier, Pregnant Insomnia and Cherry Smash and compiled and sequenced by leading collectors, the series has long been a byword for the best in psychedelia. It's presented here complete with a fully-revised and overhauled booklet, featuring updated band histories, rare photographs and full discographies (incorporating a mass of information not included in previous editions), making this the most comprehensive and authoritative psych boxed set ever assembled. Please note that only 1000 numbered copies are being pressed. Other artists include: Wild Silk, Jason Crest, The Californians, The Fox, The Poets, The Attack, The Game, Turquoise, The Accent, Fleur De Lys, Eyes Of Blue, Rick Price & Sheridan, The Zipps, Fire, Felius Andromeda, The Plague, The Fairytale, Sauterelles, The Ice, Bulldog Breed, Virgin Sleep, Tintern Abbey, 23rd Turnoff, Human Instinct, East Of Eden, World Of Oz, Denny Laine, Timebox, People, The Outer Limits, Warm Sounds, The Buzz, The Boys Blue, The Deejays, Southern Sound, The Act, Force Five, The Answers, The French Revolution, Arizona Swamp Company, The Attraction, The Peep Show, George Gallagher & White Trash, Espirit De Corps, The Truth, Our Plastic Dream, Rupert's People, The Groove, Curiosity Shoppe, The Ghost, Nirvana, Pinkerton's Colours, Boeing Duveen & The Beautiful Soup, Strawberry Children, Science Poption, The Syn, The Sub, Noah's Ark, The State Of Mickey & Tommy, House Of Lords, John Fitch & Associates, Tuesday's Children, The Jackpots, Sound Barrier, Wallace Collection, Wonderland, Gary Walker & The Rain, John Bromley & Fleur De Lys, The Lovin', The Chasers, St. Valentines Day Massacre, The Sea-Ders, Dreams, Ace Kefford Stand, The Remo Four, Carriage Company, Staccatos, Mint, The Barrier, The Oscar Bicycle, Gentle Influence, Andwella's Dream, A New Generation, Christopher Colt, The Lion Tamers, Philamore Lincoln, The Afex, Spice, Nicky James, Acid Gallery, Argosy, Calum Bryce, Lyons & Malone, The Fruit Machine, Andy Forray, Russell Morris, Octopus, The Doomsday Machine, Infantes Jubilate, Still Life, Dee & The Quotum, St. David's Road, Time Machine, Rameses & Selket, The Lions Of Judah, The Moving Finger, Cinammon Quill, The Scots Of St. James , Icarus, The Fourmyula, Portebello Explosion, Hayden Wood, Together, The Cymbeline, Blossom Toes, The Apple, The David, Kate, The Bump, Adjeef The Poet Iekk! , Pandomonium, Chapter Four, Crazy World Of Arthur Brown, The Beautiful, Art and The Beatstalkers.

STRING CHEESE: String Cheese CD (FO 2077CD) 21.00
Originally released in 1971, this lost gem makes its CD debut here. Based in Chicago, the band produced a mellow fusion of West Coast-style songs, flowing guitar leads and electric violin that has led them to be compared to It's A Beautiful Day. Despite being released in countries including the UK and France, the album didn't connect commercially and has languished in undeserved obscurity ever since.

FAMILY VINEYARD

CORSANO, CHRIS: The Young Cricketer LP (FV 051LP) 21.00
"Chris Corsano's debut of Frankenstein/gamelan skin detail. It's a monster and a babe all wrapped under the guise of 'The Solo Drum Album.' Corsano's flea-market kit of cast-iron pot lids, super-bouncy-balls on sticks, butter knives, and even a sax mouthpiece jammed-in-a-hose conjures a part rhythmic maelstrom, like a Milford Graves drip painting, and the sweet metallic ice drones of Tony Conrad and Keiji Haino rubbing sticks together until end days. Globally known for a dozen scorched/power jazz sessions with sax blower Paul Flaherty and a cadre of collaborators and groups (Jandek, Björk, Jim O'Rourke, Dream/Aktion Unit, Vampire Belt, Michael Flower, Dredd Foole, etc.), Corsano's drumming has leapt from post-hardcore explorations into outrageous, primeval and outright futuristic depth during his past 10 years of recorded documentation. This LP is a field recording of wire, skin, metal and soul -- not tunes for yr neighbor's bongo party. Originally issued on Corsano's own Hot Cars Warp label as a CD-R, this LP is remastered and issued in a 600 edition."

FAX (GERMANY)

NAMLOOK, PETE: Subconscious Worlds 2CD (PK 08/181CD) 42.00
"Our lives influence our dreams as our dreams influence our lives. The subconscious mind lives on in our dreams, exploring worlds impossible on our own. But what happens when those worlds and minds collide? Live the dream or dream the life. Subconscious Worlds dives deep into this theme and is, like our dreams and our life, bouncing constantly between driving rhythms, dreamscapes & intense atmospheres. Never superficial, always intense. Sometimes calm, sometimes moving." This is one album released on 2 different formats on 2 different discs: DTS 5.1 Music Disc/Stereo 2CD. For compatibility reasons (to listen to the music in the car or at your friend's or if you don't own a DTS capable 5.1 Surround System) we included a stereo CD version in the double CD pack.

FLYING NOTE

FASTEAU/KIDD JORDAN, KALI Z.: Live at the Kerava Jazz Festival: Finland CD (FN 9012CD) 21.00
"Recorded and mixed by the Finnish radio on June 9, 2007, this CD documents for presenters and fans alike what they will hear when Kali. Z. performs live in concert. In a riveting sequence of 9 compositions on 9 different instruments, Kali trance-ports the audience on the mizmar, piano, nai flute, cello, synthesizer, voice, violin, drum set, and the grand finale on soprano sax. This music envelops you with a sound embrace that awakens the senses, stimulates the mind and lifts the spirit. Kali's imagination and intensity are beautifully matched with the profound emotional range and musicality of New Orleans tenor legend Kidd Jordan and the finesse and dynamism of drummer Newman Taylor Baker."

GDR (ITALY)

KORAY, ERKIN: Elektronik Türküler LP (GDR 706LP) 35.00
"You probably won't find any other Turkish psych record better than this. A real killer from start to finish, this was originally released in 1974, and is a brutal masterpiece of psychedelic rock blended with Turkish traditional music. The electric guitar of Erkin is outstanding, so is the electric saz used here too, and all tracks are absolutely fantastic. We cannot recommend this one more than we do. Limited reissue of 500 copies with the original artwork in a beautiful gatefold cover."

GET PHYSICAL MUSIC (GERMANY)

JONA: Manta 12" (GPM 083EP) 11.00
Jona is back with Manta -- a sick, expertly crafted new EP. The title track is a peak-time club weapon, with a hard kickdrum, kinetic drum edits and pressurized FX while a dizzying synth motif ravishes the listener into submission. "Amon" is all rolling bass line, acidic synth cycles, crisp percussion, jump-up vocal samples and surging narcotic effects. "Exoplanet Dub" features addictive, zig-zagging melodies guaranteed to turn your dancefloor inside out.

ITALOBOYZ: Zinga 12" (GPM 084EP) 11.00
Italoboyz aka Marco Donato and Federico Marton consolidate their position as dancefloor alchemists par excellence with Zinga for Get Physical. The title track is based around a looped violin, a fat kick-drum and razor-sharp hi-hats that make it a peak-time monster. The "DRAMAdub" is soaked in echo and delay, while a wraith-like counterpoint curls around it. "At De Stella" is a bleepy minimalist number with a no-nonsense groove and a voice listing food items. Italoboyz are masters of the unfamiliar.

GLOBAL A RECORDS (GERMANY)

LIPSETT, ARTHUR: Soundtracks LP (GLOBAL 007LP) 21.00
"Arthur Lipsett made an impressive series of collage films during his lifetime. He began his collages under the employment of the National Film Board of Canada. During a sound workshop, he was given the assignment to tell a story by editing together found sound materials. Lipsett took the assignment further by editing images to the sound collage he created. The result was to become Very Nice Very Nice, sharing his view of the phantasmagoria of a world he saw around him. This first effort earned him an Academy Award nomination at the age of 25. Soundtracks is a document that celebrates the work of Arthur Lipsett, while highlighting his sound collage as an art form in itself. The National Film Board of Canada granted the license to create this sound document from the original film masters. These originals were lovingly re-mastered and pressed to high quality vinyl that they will last into the future. Mostly from the 1960s, emerging from the Beats, his films are dense cut-ups to do with themes like science and spirituality, religious mania and Cold War paranoia, Apocalypse and nuclear melt-down, consumerism and nothingness, rituals and machines, all that good stuff. The films started out as the sound collages finely presented here in a top-notch pressing -- tightly compacted clips of spoken word (Marshall MacLuhan, religious loons, newsreel announcers, TV scientists, bullshit politicians), in with noise (factories, helicopters, bombs) and music (jazz, gospel, parade-ground, church) -- sometimes manipulated, often highly rhythmic, still so captivating and chilling."

HANSON RECORDS

DILLOWAY & C. SPENCER YEH, AARON: The Squid CD (HN 166CD) 19.00
"Dilloway & Yeh recorded live to 4-track cassette in the summer 2006 in Ann Arbor, MI. Yeh on violin, Dilloway on tape loops of Yeh's violin. Originally released on LP, this digipak CD version includes a bonus track collage of the 3 tracks from the duo's out-of-print False Speech cassette." "Collaboration from Dilloway of Wolf Eyes et al and C Spencer Yeh of Burning Star Core, etc. Dilloway uses tape loops, tape delay, bowed tape and vocals and Yeh uses violin, voice and electronics. Recorded in 2006 in Ann Arbor, MI The Squid has a heavy Takehisa Kosugi/Taj Mahal Travellers feel, with a headier, more expansive psychedelic brainwave style than is usually associated with Dilloway. Yeh's violin flutters on phased waves of F/X while Dilloway lets off tiny looped depth-charges, exploding Yeh's elegiac drones with chattering, circular vocals, unidentifiable noise scree and long corridors of breath." --David Keenan, Volcanic Tongue

HUNGAROTON

AMADINDA PERCUSSION GROUP: Ragtimes, African Music CD (HUNG 12855CD) 21.00
1994 release, featuring compositions by István Marta, John Cage, Steve Reich & George Hamilton Green. "The Amadinda Percussion Group, the first professional percussion group in Hungary, was formed in the spring of 1984. The group was formed at a time when a great many questions were being discussed concerning composers and the relationship between modern music and the public ... These were the conditions that helped bring about the formation of the Amadinda Percussion Group with artistic objectives easily comprehended. Firstly, the performance both at home and abroad of pieces by Hungarian composers, together with others not yet known in Hungary, including works ranked abroad today as classics. These prescriptions we have tried to follow while selecting the music for this recording. The ensemble has a serious interest in African folk music and jazz, and in this manner the record came to include the programme often given in concerts. Particularly interesting are the Green ragtimes, which the composer -- himself an outstanding percussionist -- wrote originally for xylophone with piano accompaniment. The version for xylophone and two marimbas was done on the basis of the original. Of the two Hungarian compositions on side one, the piece by Istvan Marta was written for the Amadinda Group. These two pieces, we feel, serve to complete the picture of the first two years of the ensemble which we wanted to present." -- From the liner notes. Tracklist: "Doll's House Story" by István Marta (1985), "Pebble Playing in a Pot" by Laszlo Sary (1978), "Second Construction" by John Cage (1978), "Piano Phase" by Steve Reich (1967), "Traditional African Music", "Log Cabin Blues (Blue Fox Trot)," "Charleston Capers" by George Hamilton Green, "Traditional African Music," and "Jovial Jasper (A Slow Drag)" by George Hamilton Green. Performed by Amadinda Percussion Group (Karoly Bojtos, Zoltan Racz, Zsolt Sarkany, & Zoltan Vaczi) with István Marta (Roland JX-8P synthesizer) and Gyorgy Racz.

AMADINDA PERCUSSION GROUP: 4'33" CD (HUNG 12991CD) 21.00
1994 release. "According to Cage, his composition known by the title '4'33' (1952) that can be performed on any instrument for any length of time (the title changing accordingly) is his most significant work ... The present recording to '4'33' recalls the time of its composing, as later Cage lifted the time limits he had imposed on it. Here, we strictly kept to the duration of the first performance, playing the piece in three movements of 30", 2'23" and 1'40" respectively. The movements are joined to each other attacca." --From the liner notes. Includes "Ionisation" by Edgard Varèse; "Toccata" by Carlos Chávez; "4'33", "Amores" & "Third Construction" by John Cage; "Double Music" by John Cage & Lou Harrison. Performed by Amadinda Percussion Group; Zoltán Kocsis (piano); Aurél Holló, Benedek Tóth (percussion). Includes notes in English and Hungarian.

EAR ENSEMBLE: Hungarian Live Electronic Works CD (HUNG 31868CD) 21.00
2000 release. "The present recording contains the works of 7 composers written in quite different stylistic trends. What connects them is that they have all been composed at the request of the Ear group: all were written for the specific apparatus of the group (4-8 instruments and synthesizer/s) between 1992 and 1999 ... the name of the ensemble is the abbreviation of electroacoustic research. It aims at exploring new connections between instruments, electronics and acoustics through concerts and recordings, and utilizing these in compositions." --From the liner notes. Endre Olsvay: "Allegory" (1996); Bèla Farago: "Lux Perpetua" (1997-99); Máté Hollos: "L'EAR-A" (1992); Iván Madarasz: "J.J's Games" (1995); László Thanyi: "Nereid" (1995); István Szigeti: "ChambEAR Music" (1993); Miklós Sugár: "Dreams" (1997-98). Performed by the EAR Ensemble, conducted by Miklós Sugár & Bèla Farago.

IMPORTANT RECORDS

MENCHE, DANIEL: Body Melt LP (IMPREC 175LP) 21.00
"Body Melt is limited to 500 copies only on LP. This is the companion release to the Glass Forest CD being released on Important simultaneously. Both releases are housed in staggeringly unique artwork by Emily. Recorded in the Summer of 2007. Body Melt is a molting and simmering display of furious Hammond organs & Native American drums. Daniel Menche manages to merge together the powerfully fuzzed-out organ drones along with hypnotically crushing and frenzied drums in a manner that is distinctly the graceful music style of Daniel Menche. Call it trance music for carnivores or ambient music for cannibals, Body Melt sits perfectly throned on this limited vinyl LP release."

MENCHE, DANIEL: Glass Forest CD (IMPREC 176CD) 19.00
"Glass Forest is a highly listenable starting point for any newcomers curious about Daniel Menche's vast discography. It is also, according to Menche, the last CD he will release. From now on he'll be releasing his music on LP only or on DVD to accompany films he's been working on. Glass Forest is also the companion release to Body Melt which is being released simultaneously on Important on LP only. Recorded in the winter of 2005, Daniel Menche's Glass Forest displays a glistening sound world that is finely textured with the most delicate of raw organic sound and chaotic electronic noise. Not at all extreme as with Menche's previous work, but rather a more subtle presence can be heard here on Glass Forest. Subsonic bass drums crawling underneath massive sheets of glass-like sound layering infinitely into a thick and dense forest of delicate noise. For fans of Daniel Menche's ambient work and also his loud violent work, Glass Forest fits exactly right in the middle of these two polarities."

BEEQUEEN: Sandancing CD (IMPREC 177CD) 19.00
"After the by now usual gap of some two years, Beequeen is ready to present their latest album, further maturing their sound from The Bodyshop (also on Important Records). More song-based, this album features new vocals by Olga Wallis solely (with some backing by Freek Kinkelaar). Well rounded pop songs in some places, but Beequeen never forgets to put in some strange element, without leaping in the dark alley of pointless experiment. Orchestral in 'The Illogical Song,' collage like in 'The Edie Three Step' or a simple rhythm machine in 'The Honeythief.' Beequeen does all, and with great care and seemingly ease. This album features also the help of Barry Gray, former (and first) guitarist of The Legendary Pink Dots, and would not have been the album that is without the invaluable productional skills of Erik Drost."

RAMESES III: Basilica 2CD (IMPREC 178CD) 25.00
"Basilica is Rameses III's eagerly anticipated follow-up to their acclaimed releases Honey Rose (Important), Matanuska (Music Fellowship) and Night Of The Ankou (Type). Basilica is a double album of live recordings of new Rameses material accompanied by re-interpretations of those same recordings by contemporaries Robert Horton, Keith Berry, Gregg Kowalsky and Astral Social Club. Each artist approached to contribute to the Basilica disc was given free range to experiment with the live files, to re-invent and re-interpret the recordings as they saw fit. Minimalist sound-sculptor Keith Berry rolled out the slow-motion waterfalls of Basilica and gave the album an early focus and provided inspiration for the glacial artwork. Gregg Kowalsky played the 'Rose Blood' remix as part of his own performance at the OVERLAP 02 event in San Francisco using its tuned sinewave oscillators, cassette tapes and loops to induce, to quote the man himself, 'a psychoacoustic listening experience.' Our subtle textures were pushed way into the red when noise veteran Neil Campbell sandblasted the original tracks into the howling mirror of Astral Social Club. His 'Tigers In The Snake Pit' was remixed live in the very same venue in which it was originally performed and finessed with some post-performance layering. And Robert Horton was open-minded and kind enough to allow Rameses III to remix his remix, leading to the gentle trumpet curlicues and electronic birdsong entwining the original drone of 'After The Red Rose.' Although Basilica was originally envisioned as a single disc album, once the remixes were complete, it slowly became evident that they should be paired with a disc of live recordings in order to put the Basilica disc into context. In contrast to the heavily-produced and painstakingly-constructed Rameses studio albums, all five of the previously-unreleased tracks on the 'Origins' disc were recorded directly to stereo at various venues around London. As such, they fully represent those moments in performance where the trio strive to make the most beautiful music they can."

KRANKY

AUTISTIC DAUGHTERS: Uneasy Flowers CD (KRANK 115CD) 21.00
"Uneasy Flowers is the second album by Autistic Daughters, the intercontinental trio of Dean Roberts (guitar, vocals), Martin Brandlmayr (percussion, computer) and Werner Dafeldecker (guitar, bass). It is also the fourth in a series of records in which Roberts, having begun in more abstract territory in New Zealand's mid-1990s 'free noise' ferment, has embraced song, lyric and voice as vessels for topographic and psychoanalytic tracings of the impacts of territory and nomadism on the subject. This is reflected by the shapeshifting nature of the outfit: while Autistic Daughters, whose name comes from a lyric from their first record Jealousy And Diamond, are resolutely a trio, they also work in cinematic format, with ancillary players -- in this instance, Chris Abrahams of The Necks, Martin Siewert and Valerio Tricoli -- as part of both cast and crew, foley artists behind the trio's complex, worm-turning arrangements. With Uneasy Flowers, Roberts traces the internal and external workings of one protagonist: or, rather, a protagonist who 'contains multitudes,' a figure that dissolves the unified self. Rather, this character, Rehana, embodies multiplicity and fragmentation in order to both a) address loss and b) aim toward transfiguration, transcendence. There are traces in the lyrics -- traces of addiction and desire, myth and transformation -- that are obliquely reflected in the music's structure, its uneasy tension between the pop song (the 'moment') and experiment (the 'process'). In some ways, it reminds of the structural, loop-based cinema of figures like Malcolm LeGrice: taking one moment and stretching it, the better to capture its nuances and to draw out all the repressed material caught in the mise-en-scène, the hidden, cloaked content that erupts when your world spirals out of your own control and gets caught in webs of interpersonal politic. The move from intimacy to capture of the 'greater picture' enacted by both lyric and music here resembles a camera dollying out, a shift of perspective unsettling for its vertigo-inducing qualities." --Jon Dale

VALET: Naked Acid CD (KRANK 116CD) 21.00
"Naked Acid is the second solo release from Portland artist Valet, aka Honey Owens. She states: 'These songs were Inspired by the Pacific Northwest landscape, semi-conscious dream states and the idea of one's DNA code being accessed as eternal memory. I started off with the idea to make a "songs" record but it really didn't turn out that way. Instead, the record became its own story. Track one is a static beach journey duet with Adrian Orange, and tracks 3, 4 and 5 are collaborations with Mark Evan Burden (Silentist) on drums.' From the gentle narcotic haze of the album opener 'We Went There,' which is dissected by Honey's trademark incendiary guitar work, to the lazy alien country blues of 'Fuck It,' and through the hyperventilating rhythmic distortion of the closer 'Streets,' Naked Acid is a fever dream of ghostly incantation and smudged psychedelia."

LOCUST

BISHOP, SIR RICHARD: God Damn Religion DVD/CD (LOCUST 107DVD) 23.00
"Official DVD release of Sir Richard Bishop's cracked movie God Damn Religion. First edition comes with a bonus audio CD of the quasi soundtrack Elektronika Demonika, originally issued by Locust as a vinyl-only escapade in 2006. 'For centuries, man has used organized religion to control the hearts and minds (not to mention the pocketbooks) of the ignorant masses. Well, Richard Bishop has decided he would like a piece of the action. This film is a diabolical experiment in hypnotic mind control -- a phantasmagoric presentation of demonic and divine imagery, meticulously assembled and designed to put the viewer into an altered state of darkened awareness. Includes original music from Elektronika Demonika, as well as unreleased material. If you ever wanted to go to hell and back, this film will get you halfway there. Some viewers may find the imagery used in this film to be disturbing, but that's the idea. Contains some strong sexual content (as all true religion should). Not for the weak-minded, faint of heart, or those suffering from occasional seizures.'" DVD is NTSC format, probably region free. 9

MAN RECORDINGS (GERMANY)

MC GRINGO: Gringão CD (MAN 019CD) 16.50
Stuttgart-born MC Gringo is the only non-Brazilian who has made his way to the top in the baile funk scene of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, and this is his debut release. Born Bernhard Hendrik Hermann Weber Ramos De Lacerda, he performs for various baile funk parties all across Rio. With his intelligent, sometimes ironic lyrics and his laid back, communicative attitude, Gringo has gathered a solid fan following in Rio -- mostly amongst the female cariocas. Considering the short time Gringo has lived in Rio, he has made it to the premiere league in the funk game, performing in endless radio and TV shows. MC Gringo loves to perform his songs in Portuguese, exercising the rapping techniques he learned in his German hometown, where he also played bass in a punk band with Basti Schwarz, one of the brothers of today's world famous DJ duo, Tiefschwarz. Upon moving to Rio, Gringo got funkified, writing his own lyrics and working on beat arrangements on his cheap PC. His first direct contact to the funk scene was MC Binho, a significant friendship of rap mixed with funk that led to dozens of joint shows. After three and-a-half years of hard work, Gringo is now proud to present Gringão, featuring lead vocals by the main MC himself on mostly all the tracks. Guest MCs are his long-time collaborator MC Binho, MC Dandão and MC Dolores, who has already participated in the Funk Mundial release by Crookers on Man Recordings. Large parts of the release were produced by both MC Gringo and Amazing Clay in the infamous Amazing Studios next to the Maracana stadium in Rio De Janeiro. Other producers involved are DJ Sandrinho and DJ Rafael. With song topics ranging from mini bus travels to mass assaults on Rio's shores to Brazilian methods of leg-shaving, Gringão contains various styles of baile funk, all defined by the magical voice and personality of MC Gringo.

MARINA (GERMANY)

CASH, BRENT: How Will I Know If I'm Awake CD (MA 071CD) 19.00
The Marina label presents the debut release from Athens, GA-based Brent Cash. Sounding like a lost sunshine pop classic from the '60s, How Will I Know If I'm Awake is overflowing with hook-laden choruses, multi-layered vocal harmonies and lush, sophisticated arrangements. It's the sound of endless summers and good vibrations. From the start, multi-instrumentalist Cash decided to record his songs like "they did it back then," hiring the best musicians in town and assembling a mini-orchestra featuring strings, brass and even a harp. The results are simply stunning. From the opening chords of "Everything That's Grey," we enter melody wonderland, a place where major 7 chords rule and beautiful vocal harmonies dazzle your mind. "Digging The Fault Line" is full of Byrds guitar jangle, sounding like the perfect soundtrack to cruise into golden California sunsets (with a great Wes Montgomery-like guitar solo along the way). "Only Time" explodes with 100 % fat-free youthful euphoria -- Roger Nichols meets The 5th Dimension. While deeply rooted in '60s songwriting -- influenced by Bacharach, Wilson, McCartney, and yes, The Monkees -- Cash certainly has his own unique signature style. Just listen to "And Had We Ever?" and "I Think I'm Falling In Love" -- with its complex, enchanting textures, ignoring conventional song structures. "Love Is Burning Down Tonight" -- a striking duet between Brent and Amanda Kapousouz -- is a special highlight of the album, while "Good Morning Sunshine" could be the theme song to the best TV series in the world -- the harpsichord-driven piece is chock-full of amazing twists and turns of melodic beauty. "This Sea, These Waves" moves us into bossa nova territory -- starting off in a classic Getz/Gilberto mould, the song soon morphs into heavenly orchestrated Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 elegance. "More Than Everything," clocking in at over six minutes, ends this beautiful song circle with a great final statement about overcoming heartbreak, delivered with the sincerity of a Carpenters record. Music made the way it was meant to be heard.

MAXERNST (GERMANY)

BRINKMANN, THOMAS: When Horses Die CD (MAXE 016CD) 19.00
Germany's legendary label-owner, remixer and prolific experimentalist Thomas Brinkmann presents the follow-up to Klick Revolution. Please note: there is NO TECHNO on this album. The source of inspiration is a strange mix between Suicide, Trent Reznor, Joy Division, old Tuxedomoon, and Another Day On Earth-era Brian Eno. Ten tracks start up with piano and the broken arrangement between distorted guitars and bass -- no drums, no beats, just lyrics from Tuxedomoon's Winston Tong. "Spiral" is also without drums and is an adaptation of artist Robert Smithson's "Spiral Jetty" earthwork in Utah's Great Salt Lake, elucidating the endings and beginnings between two people in love. "Birth & Death" twists out into heavier territory with drums and plenty of distorted guitars and "Meadow" is enhanced with lyrics by the Russian poet and essayist, Joseph Brodsky. "Souls" is a funky little number with lyrics by poet Marina Tsvetaeva and "2 Suns" is a heavy 100bpm stomper with Japanese lyrics, yet is totally unusable on 128bpm dancefloors. "Uselessness" is a dark, ambient, spoken-word track also based on the powerful metaphors of Robert Smithson. "It's Just" softly rocks right into the tune of "When Horses Die..." -- a Velimir Chlebnikov poem mixed with Brodsky and a hint of the Mamas & The Papas. The album finishes as it began, but without words and nothing left to say. Just piano, cello and a distorted guitar.

MEANWHILE (UK)

QUANTEC: Distant Space Pt. 1 12" (MEAN 010EP) 10.00
Follow-up to the Meanwhile label's release of the acclaimed Murmur record, Undertone, Styrax operative Quantec presents two deep, crisp extended dub techno workouts that stand firmly upright next to anything and everything.

MERCURY

WIZARDS FROM KANSAS, THE: The Wizards from Kansas LP (SR 61309LP) 18.00
Exact repro reissue, originally issued on Mercury in 1970 -- one of the classic 2nd tier American psych albums to be released on a major label. "Recently receiving a lot of interest and rightly so, 'cause these Midwest boys blow most Bay Area groups away on their own turf. Took me a while to get into it, now I rate it among the best late '60s psych-rock LPs. Powerful hippie rock with prototype heavy moves, strong songwriting and brilliant performances -- the rhythm section is awesome. There are many good albums in the epic psych genre but this one is charged with a special spirit that creeps upon you over time. And 'Country Dawn' has to be one of the best rural rockers ever." --Patrick Lundborg, The Acid Archives

MODE

CAGE, JOHN: The Number Pieces 5 CD (MODE 193CD) 21.00
"Two2" (1989) for two pianos; performed by Rob Haskins and Laurel Karlik Sheehan, pianos. "Laurel Karlik Sheehan gave the Canadian premiere of 'Two' with Jack Behrens in 1990. Rob Haskins is a respected Cage expert and scholar. Together they bring an authority and expertise to this performance of 'Two.' In most of the Number Pieces, all the performers have some freedom through Cage's use of time brackets, and flexible measures that show a range of possible starting and ending times. The time bracket system of notation used in these works allow a certain amount of flexibility in the performance: individual notes or chords may always occur in the same general time frame, but their specific order and duration varies slightly and unpredictably from performance to performance. In this way, Cage could create a new kind of harmony of '...several sounds... being noticed at the same time.' Cage based 'Two' on renga, a Japanese poetic design of five, seven, five, seven, and seven syllables expressed at least 36 times. Each line of music is divided into five measures, just like the five lines of the poetry. The first measure contains five separate musical events -- chords or single tones, usually shared between the two pianists -- which correspond to the five syllables of the first line; the second meas?ure has seven events, and so on. There are a total of 36 such five-measure sections in the piece. While the pianists can take any amount of time to perform each measure, each pianist must wait until both have finished the same measure before proceed?ing to the next. Given this flexibility, Haskins and Karlik Sheehan's performance is the longest of the recordings to date -- emphasizing the sense of spaciousness and interest in harmony that marks many of Cage's late pieces. Liner notes by Rob Haskins. 96khz, 24-bit high definition recording."

MONIKA (GERMANY)

VA: Monika Bärchen: Songs for Bruno, Knut & Tom CD (MONIKA 060CD) 18.50
To celebrate 10 years in the business and 60 releases, Berlin label Monika Enterprise brings you a special birthday compilation. Rather than going for the obvious "best of" approach, Monika offers something a little more interesting in the form of a compilation comprising all exclusive tracks made especially for this release at the request of label boss Gudrun Gut who is also the compiler. Best known for his band To Rococo Rot, Robert Lippok's track has a real post-rock edge with live percussion and organic textures. The ladies from the groundbreaking 4 Women No Cry serieses certainly make their presences known on this comp: Èglantine Gouzy offers a jovial pop number, Rosario Blefari presents a guitar-charged tune, Austrian Theramin virtuoso Dorit Chrysler adds a haunting instrumental piece, Mico offers a blend of ambient electronica accentuated by a powerful vocal performance and Iris' unique mix of heart-wrenching melody and futuristic electronica is sure to give you fever. Chica and the Folder present a touch of Berlin-style dancefloor minimalism, Contriva member Max Punktezahl's lovely instrumental track precedes bandmate Masha Qrella, who recorded a lovely cover of Depeche Mode's "Goodnight Lovers" and Gudrun Gut presents a true Monika-style number with old school samples of polka and yodelling. Old friends Quarks are included here as well as hot new Argentinian trio, Lile. Milenasong opens new doors with her dark-folk style and Michaela Melián presents a new edit of the opening track from her album Los Angeles. To close out the birthday celebration is Barbara Morgenstern -- surely the brightest star twinkling in the Monika universe -- there from the beginning. "Wilderness" is a beautiful piano ballad and the perfect closing number. This is a beautifully eclectic mix with a nice balance between songs and instrumentals, electronics and acoustic instrumentation.

MY BEST FRIEND (GERMANY)

PIEMONT: Bastille 12" (MBF 12040EP) 10.00
With the Bastille EP, Piemont deliver their trademark fat productions -- both tracks are clonk groovers with occasional peaks that set the floor on fire. The title track is a true primetime rocker that fills the air with bass and sequences that make Alexander Robotnik seem boring. On the other hand, "Montmartre," is more specialized and connects psychedelia with pop.

NET28 (SPAIN)

VA: 1 CD (NET28 001CD) 19.50
This is the debut compilation from the Madrid label collective Net28, home of the CMYKmusik, Bemysheep, Cyclical Tracks, Pulpa, Múpa and Apnea labels -- a statement to celebrate all their unique voices and grooves. 1 is a deep journey that begins in Madrid (with all the usual suspects) and lands in France (From Karaoke To Stardom), the UK (Kevin Gorman), the USA (Hieroglyphic Being) and Georgia (Nate Fisher). Every track is a must, a hit, a fucking brilliant sum of influences and new horizons. Techno in all its colors and forms, developing from the most atmospheric to the funkiest and darkest, paying due respect to Detroit, Cologne and Berlin, but re-emerging as something totally new and fresh, as only these artists know how to do. From Karaoke to Stardom pushes his futuristic groove to the limit; Kevin Gorman brings back all the funk in a compulsive rhythm adventure; Tadeo shows his most merciless face with a enormous stomper; Damián Schwartz rethinks the future and discovers new grounds with a massive rocking synth orgy; Alex Under impresses yet again with his unique way of understanding and producing music; Pilas goes all smooth and dreamy with a classic techno number; Friendly People (aka Alex Under) turns off the lights and submerges us into a frightening odyssey; Hieroglyphic Being brings us back to Detroit with pure innovation; Mensico (Pilas and Sintec) work it in a moody and heartless manner; Circunbalation (aka Tadeo) goes eternal and delivers a timeless killer, possibly his biggest track to date; and finally Nate Fisher brings you all the sophistication of the best house music. Anything you want is here, and much more than you could ever imagine.

OSTGUT (GERMANY)

MYMY: Southbound/Pink Flamingos 12" (OSTGUT 013EP) 10.00
Southbound/Pink Flamingos is not only MyMy's debut release on Ostgut Ton, it also is the first full 12" release after their critically-acclaimed album Songs For The Gentle on Playhouse. With this 12", the duo move away from their techy style to wade knee-deep through deep house territory, delivering two percussive, swinging house tools with irresistible grooves. Both tracks are as timeless as purring cats, Pears soap and old Prescription records. This is gentlemen's music.

PICKADOLL MUSIC (SWEDEN)

STYLE OF EYE: The Prophet 12" (PICK 031EP) 11.00
Pickadoll roster and his first release on the label reached underground hit status in the electro house scene. Coming from a more experimental background he has now grown into a true peak-time maestro, bringing in fresh and innovative ideas. Fantastic synthesizer work, catchy beats and effective arrangements make this a wonderful and deadly club monster 12". Sure shot for all fans of Dahlbäck, Claude VonStroke, Prydz, Angello or Ingrosso.

PLANET E COMMUNICATIONS

SAN, SEBASTIEN: Rising Sun 12" (PE 65292EP) 8.00
Two-track single, B-side features a C2 (Carl Craig) edit. "Sebastien San grew up with the sounds of Kraftwerk, Giorgio Moroder, Prince, and Serge Gainsbourg. In the early '80s, he got into the new wave and industrial scene and was heavily inspired by Depeche Mode, Cabaret Voltaire, Fad Gadget, Human League, Front 242, and Severed Heads, amongst many others. The emerging club culture of the mid-'80s, as well as the birth of Detroit techno and Chicago house had an even greater impact on him. He consequently landed a job at a local record store where he could get his hands on all those great records. It also helped him to launch his own party series where he could play those fabulous tracks. By the mid-'90s, Sebastien founded his own (and now defunct) record label called Shield Records. During that time, he had the chance to collaborate with artists such as Kirk DeGiorgio, Kevin Saunderson and Fabrice Lig, to name a few. 'It was Fabrice who really turned me into the production side of music. He convinced me to buy synthesizers and drum machines.' Another key factor was Sebastien's meeting with Mad Mike of Underground Resistance in Detroit at the infamous Submerge building. As Sebastien became more familiar with production techniques and studio equipment, he decided to concentrate full-time on music production. He developed his very own style which combines deep atmospheric strings, sweet melodies, and funky beats and rhythms, releasing records on Gigolo Records and Planet E, among others."

REPHLEX (UK)

BOCHUM WELT: R.O.B. (Robotic Operating Buddy) 2CD (REPH 192CD) 27.00
Gianluigi Di Costanzo aka Bochum Welt is renowned in the electro/techno world as a consummate producer and is one of the original Rephlex braindancers. R.O.B. (Robotic Operating Buddy) is a 2CD compilation that looks at Bochum Welt's past and future: disc one features new tracks and mixes, while disc two collects his entire rare Rephlex back catalog, all in glorious .wav file quality (that will save you a lot of time and money collecting on eBay). Bochum Welt has released a number of EPs and albums on Aphex Twin's Rephlex label, Sony Music Japan and Universal, among many others, and honed his deft skill and fascination for technology and video game electro while working with Thomas Dolby's California-based Beatnik and Headspace Inc., companies which have completed productions for Universal Studios, Steven Spielberg, David Bowie and many more. He has also managed audio and musical projects for Vodafone, Wind iMode, Nokia, Firstcom and Apple, focusing on music and emerging technologies. Certainly, the merging of the technical and musical features heavily in his work, as well as similarly-inclined influences such as Kraftwerk, The Human League and '80s and '90s synth pop. Bochum Welt sits easily and prominently alongside legendary peers such as Autechre, Modeselektor, Ulrich Schnauss, etc., and is synonymous with high-quality braindance and innovation. These tracks highlight Bochum Welt's unique and significant contribution to the evolution of electronic music past and present in a way that can be appreciated by anyone.

REV-OLA (UK)

VA: New Folk Routes CD (CRREV 237CD) 21.00
"When visionary UK underground scene-maker and entrepreneur Joe Boyd started making records under his own Witchseason banner in 1967, he could have had little idea of the staggering amount of uber-influential artists he would go on to produce over the next few years. Step up Fairport Convention, Nick Drake, The Incredible String Band, Sandy Denny, Vashti Bunyan, Nico and Dr. Strangely Strange to name but a few. He licensed most of these records out to the super-cool Island label where they joined the likes of Traffic, John Martyn and The Amazing Blondel and unwittingly formed the backbone of the now hugely revered and collectable British folk-rock movement of the late '60s and '70s. First issued in the '90s and promptly deleted, this set features tracks from such great albums as Fairport Convention's Liege & Lief and What We Did On Our Holidays, Nick Drake's Pink Moon, John Martyn's The Tumbler, The Incredible String Band's Earthspan, Richard & Linda Thompson's I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight, Traffic's John Barleycorn Must Die, Sandy Denny's Sandy, Fotheringay's Fotheringay, Mike Heron's Smiling Men With Bad Reputations and many more seminal cornerstones of the era. An updated and intensified re-working of this lost Island Records folk-rock sampler, re-mastered in the usual Rev-Ola style! Features rare tracks unavailable on CD elsewhere!"

ROULETTE

MORNING DEW: At Last LP (SR 42049LP) 18.00
Exact repro reissue, originally released in 1970 on the Roulette label. "Midwest legends who cut a handful of great garage 45s before this swan song hippie rock LP, which unfortunately was issued way too late to make any impact. Rated highly by many, it's a solid trip through Airplane/Cream/Butterfly dimensions mixing early heavy moves with strong folk rock/psych material. Lack of macho vocals is a plus, and opening 'Crusader's Smile' is a classic. Caveat: despite utilizing the original album cover art, and listing the album tracks on the sleeve, the Scorpio vinyl LP contains completely different music; unreleased material plus three alternate takes of LP tracks! All this material had earlier been released by Collectables on CD." --Patrick Lundborg, The Acid Archives.

SHINDIG (UK)

SHINDIG: Shindig! Vol. 2, Issue 3 March-April 2008 MAG (SHIN V2#3) 9.00
"Issue contents: The Early San Francisco Scene -- the first in our exclusive three-part San Francisco timeline focuses on 1965: the beginnings. The Charlatans, The Great Society, The Beau Brummels, The Warlocks and many more. The GTO'S -- Pamela Des Barres' infamous 'groupie group' grew out of the '60s Sunset Strip scene and had Frank Zappa, Jeff Beck and Lowell George provide the musical backdrop to their irreverent pop adventures. Here's the whole story! Moby Grape -- the third and final installment of our exclusive in-depth Grape story. From the wilderness years to their rebirth as cult heroes in the '90s. Gonn -- creators of garage-psych classic 'Blackout of Gretely' and self-confessed 'loudest band in town' (that's Keokuk, Iowa) come clean. The Fairytale -- the brief but bright career of these British psych legends told for the first time! Overlooked albums -- our finest scribes celebrate their most cherished long-playing vinyl obscurities, from The Thirteenth Floor Elevators to Sandie Shaw. Plus tons more including the usual trouser-splitting selection of news, reviews and hullabaloos!" 82 pages.

SOCIAL REGISTRY

KID KISHORE: The Social Club No. 9 7" (SOCIAL 057EP) 6.00
"Copenhagen native of Indian descent Kid Kishore strikes a balance between old and new, blending the sounds of India with the electronic music that permeates Denmark. Self-described as anything from 'Danish ghetto-tech' to 'golden age Bollywood,' his beat-heavy sound is a scattershot mix of musical styles from all over the sonic landscape."

SOFRITO SPECIALS

SOFRITO SPECIALS: Music is the Word 12" (SOFRITO 001EP) 13.00
"'Music is the Word' is a heavy sax-driven Afro-beat featuring the talents of the young Jonas Sonko on Baritone, underpinned by the stellar Sofrito rhythm section. Sounding like one of the best Fela tracks never to be recorded, deep bass and tight guitar combine to make a bouncing Afro groove perfect for the club. The track has received strong support from DJs like Nicodemus and Quantic. 'E8 Highlife' is a tougher than tough Highlife/Afro Disco hybrid chopped and spliced by producer Capstone. Uptempo drums and mad percussion collide with a heavy rolling bassline for a future Afro experience -- watch the dancefloor ignite when you drop this one! Strictly limited to 500 copies."

SOFT ABUSE

ULAAN KHOL: I CD (SAB 026CD) 19.00
"Steven R. Smith has had a hand in creating some of the most compelling & singular instrumental psychedelic music of the past ten years. As Ulaan Khol, Smith digs in deep with a palette of drums/guitar/organ to craft a monolithic & expansive freeform, feedback-heavy atmospheric din that bonds the disparate realms of Fushitsusha & High Rise with Popul Vuh & Flying Saucer Attack. Smith has planned a maximalist three-part suite, Ceremony. In this first installment of the trilogy, the tone is overwhelmingly bleak as the pieces (all untitled) caterwaul, moan & crumble."

SOUL JAZZ RECORDS (UK)

TAYO MEETS BAOBINGA (FEAT. MC SPYDA): Style & Trend/Choppa Riddim 12" (SJR 175EP) 12.00
"This unique heavyweight release mashes up ragga/grime/dubstep/dancehall and is the latest release from the ever forward-looking Tayo (this time with his studio partner Baobinga), and features original jungle/drum and bass MC Spyda on the mic. Hard-as-nails, this tune has been destroying dancefloors worldwide on dubplate for the last few months and now sees a full release on Soul Jazz Records. Most recently, Tayo featured on Soul Jazz Records' successful Box of Dub series alongside artists such as Skream, Digital Mystikz, Kode 9 and Burial. With residencies at both Fabric and Radio 1, Tayo is currently one of the UK's busiest DJ/producers releasing numerous projects on a variety of labels and has remixed artists as diverse as Basement Jaxx and Lady Sovereign. MC Spyda started out MCing on reggae sound systems in the '80s and when jungle came along in the early '90s, his reggae style vocals fit the music perfectly and has been in demand ever since! Heavyweight!"

STATLER & WALDORF (DENMARK)

PELLARIN: Gundsømagle LP (S&W 012LP) 16.50
Extended 4-track vinyl version of the Gundsø album. Some of the deepest minimalistic grooves you will hear in 2008, this record is stunning. Gundsø is the area north of Roskilde where Pellarin grew up, not far from the only nuclear power plant in Denmark as well as the strange hill Bolund, which sits in the muddy fjord like a giant grass turtle, still asleep since its birth during the last Ice Age. Pellarin had his first job in the cafe at Vintappergården -- a rebuilt farm where huge buses full of elderly Germans arrived to look at dried/plastic flower decorations exhibited in the large quiet barns. Mozart would blast out at hearing-aid volume during the few hours of the visiting stampede, while the rest of the time it was silent: just Pellarin and the mice. As a child, Pellarin and his friends used to build caves in the foggy moors of Gundsø, and many of the pieces that ended up on this album suit his memories from that time. Now that the municipality reform of 2007 merged Gundsø with Roskilde, the name has disappeared. These tracks represent the sounds of Pellarin's lost childhood world.

TABLE OF THE ELEMENTS

CHATHAM & HIS GUITAR TRIO ALL-STARS, RHYS: Guitar Trio is My Life! 3CD (TOE 813CD) 46.00
"Utilizing multiple electric guitars and a single chord, 1977's Guitar Trio is composer Rhys Chatham's signature work, and a euphoric, minimal-punk classic. Now, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Guitar Trio on an epic scale, Chatham musters an all-star guitar army for the 3CD set, Guitar Trio Is My Life! The sprawling collection features members of Sonic Youth, Swans, Tortoise, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Hüsker Dü, Modern Lovers, Silver Mt. Zion, Town and Country, Die Kreutzen, 90-Day Men, Collections of Colonies of Bees, and many more; even Tony Conrad gets in on the act. Together these artists celebrate Chatham's wordless anthem, with its minimalist origins, rock & roll rhythm, ecstatic whorl of harmonics, and ever-evolving, ever-expanding nature. So, take a listen, and hear what one man can do with hundreds of guitars, 30 years, one chord, and a skyscraper of amps set to LIQUEFY. Guitar Trio endures." Includes a 32-page book with liner notes and unpublished photographs.

TENTH PLANET (UK)

PREACHERS, THE: Nod, Shake & Stomp With The Preachers LP (TP 053LP) 23.00
2002 release. "Teenage beat/R&B from drummer Tony Chapman's first band after leaving the embryonic Rolling Stones, this first-ever release features 16 tracks (14 live, and two studio demos) recorded in mid-1964. Produced by Bill Wyman, the album features extensive sleeve notes from Bill, plenty of photos, gig posters, glossy insert, great Phil Smee sleeve etc -- vinyl-only release, 1000 numbered copies on 190 gram vinyl."

TOMLAB (GERMANY)

NUMBERS: Tomlab Alphabet Singles Series - W 7" (TOM 106EP) 6.00
"Numbers emerges from the dusk of last year's full-length, Now You Are This, with a pair of rollicking jams that refuse to let the summer set from our hearts and minds. 'Is That Really True?' takes on the heavy question of real knowledge with a fuzz bass and drone organ before turning to an irresistible hum-along chorus. And prevailing question remains: 'What can we know?' On the flip, the Tommy James and the Shondells classic 'Crimson and Clover' experiences a fuzz rock reawakening shot through by pointedly triumphant guitars and dirty synth. All builds to an end with a brilliant reenactment of the tremolo chant 'Crimson and Clover - over and over...' Summer may go, but it won't be gone forever." Limited to 500 copies.

TOP SOUNDS (UK)

VA: Alphabeat: Pop, Psych & Prog Rock 1967-1970 CD (TSCD 001CD) 25.00
2005 release. "Compiled and realized by Nigel Lees (author of much of Record Collector magazine's long running series 'The British Psychedelic Trip'), Alphabeat marks the debut release on his own label Top Sounds, a collection which brings together 13 rare slices of pop, psychedelia and progressive rock recorded during 1967-1970. Only 2 have appeared previously on compilations, the remainder bar the obscure 1970 45 by Mississippi have never been released and make their vinyl and CD debut on Alphabeat. All tracks have been professionally restored and the release includes an informative and profusely illustrated 24-page booklet which features histories of all the artists, together with many photos which have never been published before. The release has the blessing of at least one member of each group and in some cases several. Many of the selections on Alphabeat were not even known to exist before the release of the compilation, and few connoisseurs of obscure late '60s pop, psych and prog will be disappointed with its contents. Dubbed from a master supplied by a Belgian television company, 'Foxy Lady' and 'Toad' were recorded live at a pop festival in 1968 and prove The Barrier to be as exciting on stage as on their best singles from the same year, while Mississippi impress with their heavy bluesy rock which is lifted from their lone and very rare 45 from 1970. The pigeonholing of Breakthru as a lightweight pop act through their only single 'Ice Cream Tree' is devastatingly dismissed by the unveiling of 2 incendiary slices of psychedelically-inclined rock recorded at a Birmingham studio in late 1967, and an unknown group who recorded at R.G Jones' OAK studios sound uncannily like The Game 3 years on with the slow burning 'First Back From Heaven.' The Pathfinders' 'Pumpkin Lantern' has appeared before on compilations on a number of occasions, but thanks to the discovery of another acetate copy, it's presented here in premium quality together for the first time with its previously ignored but very special rendering of the Bee Gees' 'To Love Somebody.' Graded Grains have presented psych collectors with a mystery and an enigma since their acetate of 'Animal Magic' and ' Lucifer Sam' was unearthed for Chocolate Soup For Diabetics Volume 3 way back in the early '80s, and such was their dogged obscurity that some came to believe there was no such band called Graded Grains at all. Top Sounds however, are able to present 4 tracks recorded on the continent in Paris in 1969 which beautifully exhibit authentic pop psych with a marked Barrett-era Pink Floyd influence, one of which is a later (and much cleaner!) take of the famed 'Animal Magic.' And last but by no means least, the legendary blues band Black Cat Bones prove their versatility and deliver an uptempo psych-flavored rocker called 'Warmth Of The Day,' which aside from inclusion on a fairly recent bootleg has only previously been available on the rare 1969 promotional for the QE2 ocean liner."

VA: Shapes & Sounds: Orange & Red Beams from the BBC Archives CD (TSCD 002CD) 25.00
...1967-1969. 2006 release. "Following on from Alphabeat, Top Sounds is proud to announce the release of a second compilation, a delightful selection of choice '60s rarities from the otherwise largely inaccessible BBC archives. Spanning a period of almost two years, Shapes & Sounds offers 17 performances taped in BBC studios for broadcast not only on the more familiar radio shows such as Top Gear and Saturday Club, but also some of the daytime weekly programs such as The Dave Cash Programme. This release features six bands, all of whom will be familiar to collectors of psychedelia and pop of the period, some of which are lauded as being amongst the most rated groups of their time. For many, pride of place will go to Kaleidoscope, as Shapes & Sounds features two tracks that are missing from the BBC's Transcription Service archive and consequently were not included on the Please Listen To The Pictures BBC set. Thanks to the recent discovery of a transcription disc, Top Sounds are privileged to complete the jigsaw and offer a choice version of the band's most contagious single 'Jenny Artichoke,' as well as a stupendous rendition of the Faintly Blowing cut 'Music' which is guaranteed to have Kaleidoscope's legion of followers in ecstasy! Also thought lost and making their debut on are three splendid tracks by Tomorrow featuring Keith West, sourced from two editions of Top Gear in October 1967 and February 1968. Included are excellent renditions of 'Blow Up' and 'Colonel Brown,' but the pick of the bunch is almost certainly 'Real Life Permanent Dream,' with its overdrive of twisting wah-wah guitar throughout from the nimble fingers of Steve Howe. It's been a while since any fresh music from Timebox was released and Shapes & Sounds offers their four remaining session tracks from the Beeb archives, which include a beautiful version of their famed 'Beggin,' a rendition of 'Yellow Van' which most definitely puts the single cut to shame, a superb take of 'Stay There' and perhaps most importantly, an admirable slice of blue-eyed soul in their cover of the Young Rascals' 'A Girl Like You,' which the band never recorded outside of the BBC. The Montanas' discography is noted by many as being rather hit or miss, but that is most definitely not the case with their inclusion on Shapes & Sounds, and most will no doubt be surprised and animated by the BBC take of their most prized pop/psych 45, A Step In The Right Direction. That excellent single was enhanced by a wash of phasing, but in this live performance the song is literally drowned in a veritable tidal wave of that glorious wind tunnel effect, while 'You're Never Going to Get My Lovin' would have made a better choice for a single than some of those that were actually released. The other Montanas performances form something of a Moby Grape tribute, with a cracking rendering of 'Hey Grandma' and a blistering attack on 'Omaha.' Of all these numbers from their repertoire, only 'A Step In The Right Direction' ever appeared on a single. Oxfordshire's Gentle Influence have come to more prominence recently with the inclusion of their popular 'Easy To Know' on the 'Le Beat Bespoke' compilation and Top Sounds have uncovered a similarly styled nugget with their BBC only cover of Curtis Mayfield's 'You've Been Cheatin',' as well as a superior version of their final 1969 A-side 'Always Be A Part Of My Living.' And last but my no means least, The Spectrum -- hitherto not the most rated of '60s bands by some -- impress with a fuzz guitar-spiked performance of 'Headin' For A Heatwave' which is more virile and much more atmospheric than the 45 version, and they enthusiastically rip through a Beeb only take of The Artwoods favorite 'I Take What I Want.' The sound quality is absolutely superb throughout, with nearly every track sourced from original BBC Transcription records. The Tomorrow performances have been taken from excellent off-air recordings and similarly shine and few of the tracks on the collection needed much enhancement at all, all have nevertheless been professionally restored and mastered. The presentation is immaculate and as with the Alphabeat release, Artholeghraphics have designed a memorable period-flavored package. Includes a 24-page booklet packed with illustrations, band histories and listings of all their known BBC sessions written and supplied by Nigel Lees, author of much of Record Collector magazine's 'The British Psychedelic Trip' series. Except for one of the Montanas recordings being bootlegged many years ago, none of the tracks have ever been commercially available and most have not been heard in public since the '60s. All copies are hand numbered and Shapes & Sounds is a legitimate limited edition release, licensed from the BBC with the blessing/co-operation of no less than 19 band members."

VA: Alphabeat: Pop, Psych & Prog Rock 1967-1970 LP (TSLP 001LP) 26.00
LP version. Contains an 12-page lavishly illustrated magazine-style booklet, and housed in authentic '60s fashion with a laminated sleeve.

TRIDENT (ITALY)

OPUS AVANTRA: Opus Avantra LP (TRI 1006LP) 34.00
"Another collectable item from the Italian prog scene gets a vinyl reissue for the first time. Opus Avantra were formed in 1973 and took their name from their three main interests, opera, avant garde and traditional music. They blended contemporary classical music with light progressive rock and avant garde. Usually considered their most accessible work, their debut album, now reissued, is built on classically-inspired themes with complex arrangements and dominated by the nice soprano voice of singer Donella Del Monaco and good flute playing, with just one instrumental track, 'Rituale.' Limited pressing of 500 copies in a gatefold cover, exact label replicas and 180 gram vinyl."

BIGLIETTO PER L'INFERNO: Il Tempo Della Semina LP (TRI 1009LP) 34.00
"Legendary Italo prog group Biglietto Per l'Inferno, venerated for their amazing debut album with the same title, had recorded a second album in 1975. Unfortunately, the Trident label went bankrupt and the album was never released. It was only in 1992 when it was released, but only on CD format. Now the time has come to make this one available for all vinyl collectors, so you all have the chance to own this little piece of Italian progressive rock history. Il Tempo Della Semina is a very nice progressive rock album, not as hard as their debut, with flute, piano, Hammond and the whole lot, as well as Moog. This is a limited 500 copies pressing and the sound is remastered from tapes. Nice gatefold cover."

VICOR MUSIC (PHILIPPINES)

JUAN DELA CRUZ: Maskara CD (BCD 165CD) 19.00
"Licensed release manufactured by the original label -- accept no substitutes! Maskara was the third LP by the Juan Dela Cruz band, released in 1974. The power-trio lineup (Gonzalez, Smith & Hanopol) that made Himig Natin a classic remained intact and intense, but this time 'round a couple of mature ballads were added to the mix, just to keep things interesting -- bad asses have feelings too, y'know. Another great set by the ambassadors of Pinoy rock!"

JUAN DELA CRUZ: Himig Natin CD (BCD 170CD) 19.00
"Licensed release manufactured by the original label -- accept no substitutes! After releasing one album as a quintet (Up In Arms), Juan Dela Cruz (the Filipino equivalent of John Doe -- a band name, not a band member!) soon downsized to a power trio and recorded their next studio album Himig Natin in 1973, featuring their classic line-up of guitarist Wally Gonzalez, drummer/growler Joey 'Pepe' Smith (fresh from a stint in the equally-OTT Speed, Glue, & Shinki) and Mike Hanopol on bass. The title track (translation: 'Our Music') would become an anthem for the national Pinoy rock scene ('I wrote it in the toilet, twenty minutes before going onstage. I was on acid at the time...' --Pepe) and, via tracks such as 'Take You Home' and 'Shake Your Brains,' one can be assured that getting laid and getting wasted are truly universal pursuits!"

VINYL MAGIC (ITALY)

E.A. POE: Generazioni (Storia di Sempre) LP (VM 027LP) 34.00
"Yes, this was reissued on vinyl not a long time ago... but it's already been deleted for a while, and being one of the key Italo prog albums, why not make it available again. Originally released in 1974 and one of the major Italian rarities, this album is a real killer. It has all your favorite ingredients for the best Italian prog music; classically inspired keyboards, good guitar work and powerful rhythm section. Great reissue with the original (single) cover, labels replicas and 180 gram vinyl."

WARP RECORDS (UK)

BORN RUFFIANS: Red Yellow & Blue CD (WARP 164CD) 21.00
"Produced by Rusty Santos, the New York mixer behind Animal Collective and Panda Bear's albums, this record exemplifies the Ruffians' brand of self-described 'hootin and hollarin.' From start to finish it's a good time, and the band knows it. With songs like the jangly 'Hedonistic Me' and the sugary sweet 'Foxes Mate for Life' to the foot stomping 'Badonkadonkey,' the band constantly pushes the boundaries of musical arrangements. Live, they have the chops of a seasoned performer, but none of the jade, performing each set like it's their last."

BORN RUFFIANS: Red Yellow & Blue LP (WARP 164LP) 18.00
LP version.

AUTECHRE: Quaristice CD (WARP 333CD) 21.00
"Autechre, one of Warp's best known artists, return with Quaristice, a vast, sprawling masterpiece that will galvanize their dedicated and sizable fanbase. With Design Republic back at the helm of art direction, Quaristice will be an album that impresses sonically but also visually. This warmer analog masterpiece recalls some of Autechre's most classical material. Quaristice is an enveloping blanket of Autechre's skewed sound science."

WAX POETICS

WAX POETICS: #27 February/March 2008 MAG (WP 027) 9.99
On the cover, back and front: Grandmaster Flash circa 1980 & Eddie Harris circa mid-1970s. Contents: Tom Terrell; Brownout; Blue Note Sampler; Hot 8 Brass Band; Camp Lo; Build An Ark; Funky Cuba, Mighty Hannibal; Eddie Harris; Derf Reklaw; Newcleus; Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five; Chuck Brown; S.O.U.L.; Jazz Icons. 138 pages, full color, high gloss, incredibly well done & essential. 27th issue of this US-based production. New higher cover price of $9.99 starting w/ this issue.

WOODEN HILL (UK)

OLIVER: Standing Stone CD (WH 001CD) 22.00
The first Wooden Hill release, originally issued on CD in 1995. The prior LP reissue had lived up to be one of the great UK private press discoveries of the times -- Oliver's self-released album from 1974 was a blinding mix of psychedelic blues & and completely unknown. "A maelstrom of folk, blues and acid rock with distinct Beefheartian overtones, Standing Stone was recorded in 1974 on a farm in the heart of rural Wales. 'Wholly original, pure and surrealistically sublime,' drooled the NME; 'a lost gem,' according to Record Collector; while Ptolemaic Terrascope described it as 'an indispensable item in any adventurous person's collection.'"

VA: Syde Tryps One CD (WH 002CD) 22.00
1995 release. "First CD issue of Tenth Planet's much-loved series of late '60s UK psychedelic pop nuggets culled from previously unissued or private label recordings. Syde Tryps One features 15 essential tracks cut between 1966-1970 including contributions from the Purge, Pleasure Garden, Tidal Wave, Kat, Fringe Benefit and a host of equally obscure names from the soft white underbelly of British psychedelia. Eight page booklet with liner notes and photos."

MIKE STUART SPAN: Timespan CD (WH 003CD) 22.00
1996 release. "CD anthology of one of Britain's most underrated psych acts, this release includes the group's entire BBC Top Gear session from 1968. Timespan, which has a total running time of more than 66 minutes, includes a beautiful 16-page booklet with extensive liner notes, photos and lyrics."

ONE IN A MILLION: Double Sight CD (WH 018CD) 22.00
"Featuring the precocious talents of 14-year-old guitarist Jimmy McCulloch, Scottish band One In A Million's genre-defining December 1967 single 'Fredereek Hernando'/'Double Sight' is widely acknowledged as one of the rarest and best British psychedelic singles of the era. Naturally enough, that double-sided classic is included on this complete anthology of the group's recordings, which also includes both sides of their highly-regarded mod-pop debut single from January 1967 as well as no less than seven previously unreleased, unknown-to-exist, Who-influenced demo recordings from the same period. With a number of hitherto unpublished photographs, comprehensive liner notes and numerous quotes from lead singer and chief songwriter Alan Young, Double Sight is the final word on one of the most intriguing and obscure groups to emerge from the British psychedelic scene."