ORIGINAL SEALED COPIES OF THIS ACID-ARCHIVED, POWER-POP RARITY!
The vinyl hounds here at P-Rex are constantly on the prowl, sniffing out rare, OG goodies from coast-to-coast and THIS TIME we've hit the jackpot with these SEALED ORIGINAL STOCK copies of the rare self-titled effort from Colorado power-pop band, Promise! The grade-A archivists at Sing Sing Records featured this bad-boy on their blog a couple of years ago - here's what they had to say about it:
"1980 Colorado Private-Pressing Pop-Psych LP by PROMISE entitled "Promise" on Cumulus Records (#180, Stereo). RARE Limited-Pressing listed in the almighty "Acid Archives" book. Seldom seen album with tunes ranging from strong Power Pop, to Beatles-influenced Pop Psych, to occasionally Heavier Edge!"
Yep - unlike many of the archival, private-press rarities that are popping up outta the woodwork these days, this self-titled affair by Promise is ALL-KILLER, NO FILLER and is packed with hits from front to back! As avid record collectors ourselves, it's almost unfair to think about how many REALLY amazing bands like this must have existed that took the initiative and recorded and pressed up their own album that hardly anyone outside of their circle probably ever heard. Despite the year (1980) 'Promise' is LOADED with hooks of the early/mid-Seventies variety, banking hard on the sensitive, working class power pop strut of bands like Badfinger, Nick Lowe, Shoes, The Scruffs, and (second incarnation) Flamin' Groovies to name a few. Grab this one now before you've missed your chance! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! The price may seem steep at first glance, but consider that original, sealed copies of this hard to come by gem have easily sold for over $300 online, and this underheard masterpiece has yet to be reissued! If you dig power pop, private press, or just great frickin' music then Promise is ESSENTIAL LISTENING. Seriously, we can't stop flipping this one over and over and over!!
LP - Black Bombaim - Saturdays and Space Travels (RSD 2014, Cyan Blue Wax, Ltd 100) - $14.99 - BUY
- LISTEN 
- LISTEN
P-REX IN-STORE EXCLUSIVE CYAN BLUE VINYL EDITION LIMITED TO 100 COPIES!
PERMANENT RECORDS' 41ST LABEL RELEASE!
PERMANENT RECORDS' 41ST LABEL RELEASE!
"Turn on, tune in, drop out… Bombay in India, Black Bombaim in the desert. Jack Daniel’s empty bottle on stage. This is the set.
The band everyone tries to find a lead singer. “Everyone”… are those who don’t free themselves from the musical boundaries and don’t understand the concept of an instrumental band.
This is the band that possesses a unique vision that no one seems to understand and with the kind of music that, in Portugal, few are the ones who do it, and fewer, the ones who executed it this way. This is what makes them different: from the common bands we see so often out there. But back to the point…
No one knows where this is gonna get and if there will be a tomorrow. If the acidity will keep going or if a bass line will lead the way through a path loosely swung at the bottom of the bottom. This is what pleases me, this kind of unpredictability in a band.
Where the next step can be an Earthless-like elliptic drone; or a guitar rip Atomic Bitchwax style; or even an atmospheric guitar wandering on a celestial space of Comets on Fire, where there’s chaos and explosion effects that are yet to happen. This is what pleases me, to find out where the limits of sound are.
This is what so many San Francisco bands are doing for years, and it’s in them – in part – that this one inspires itself. All this scene of psychedelic rock that is gaining international underground attention as each day goes by. It’s this more actual side that merges with the past present of stoner-rock. This is the first structure in the sound dissection of Black Bombaim… a jam session between two short stories." - TheSirensSound.com
RIYL: Earthless, Sleep, Black Sabbath, The Heads, Hendrix, Comets On Fire, Atomic Bitchwax, Harsh Toke, GNOD, Colour Haze, Kyuss, Hawkwind, releases found on Cardinal Fuzz, Fuzz Club, & Tee Pee Records
7in - Exit - The Exit E.P. (RSD 2014, Ultra Clear Wax, Ltd 100) - $9.99 - CLEAR VINYL SOLD OUT !
PERMANENT RECORDS' 40TH LABEL RELEASE!
Impossibly rare Chicago Punk from 1979! Contains "Who Asked You" from their sole release + three unreleased tracks culled from the original master tapes!
Some History For ya:
"Chicago's vast South Side in the late 1970s wasn't exactly the ideal breeding ground for punk rock, but as evidenced by the output of the prolific Disturbing Records label (Cunts, Meaty Buys, Painterband, etc) and a few shining examples of subversive culture festering in the shadow of the bleak shadow of Midway, such as The Imports from Hyde Park on Circkle Records, most notoriously, the band with the least-known history has always been The Exit. As noted numerous times, Chicago's disorganized, disconnected 70s punk 'scene' evolved on both the North Side as well as the South Side, with the latter focusing on the bands circulating around Harlow's Nightclub on the the 8000-block of south Cicero, and have a far lesser known cast of characters sadly left out of the mainstream historical context. As an area at the time known for its diehard sports fanaticism as well as it's tough, blue collar lifestyle, punk didn't have a fighting chance competing with cover bands in neighborhood corner bars and avoiding the inevitable fisticuffs associated with being anything outside of "normal" in 1979. But this is where a band such as The Exit shines through the debris and really stands out historically as a diamond in the rou...
- Todd Killings / VictimofTime.com / HoZac Records 2014
RIYL: Buzzcocks, The Damned, Dead Boys, Epicycle, Flamin' Groovies, and Killed By Death rarities
SCREEN PRINTED FOLD-OVER SLEEVES - PERMANENT RECORDS' TENTH LABEL RELEASE!
Purling Hiss aka Mike Polizze has come a long way since 2009 and releasing his debut LP, our tenth label release on Permanent, as a Birds of Maya off-shoot project of solo recordings. Shortly following, THE HISS became a full touring band and has since released LPs on venerable labels such as Richie Records, Drag City, and Woodsist (not to mention, various cassettes).
Here are some words we penned about this LP upon it's initial release back in '09:
"Purling Hiss is one of Philly's Best! Purling Hiss is the side-project of Holy Mountain recording artists Birds of Maya guitarist Mike Polizze. Birds of Maya are a full-on psychedelic rock band from Philly.Apparently Birds just aren't full-on enough to satisfy Polizze's far-out tendencies. On his debut solo record Polizze plays bass drums and guitar relentlessly as if he's playing to save his life. This recording is so intense that the pressing plant told us they'd risk breaking their equipment if they cut the lacquers with the original master. We sent them a new master and it sounds great!"
For Fans Of: Birds of Maya, Earthless, Loop, High Rise, Les Rallizes Denudes and Lo-Fi Blown-Out Psych
POP THIS BEAST IN YER TAPE DECK AND STEP ON THE GAS!!!
Time to hop on yer hog and hit the highway cuz Permanent Records just unleashed the cassette version of this wind in yer hair affair by Jesus Sons and it is a cruuuuuuuiiisssserrr! But don't just take our word for it, have a look-see what the fine minds at Impose Magazine had to say about this stellar self-titled LP here:
"LA's Jesus Sons have come to save your tattered souls. Some folks spend their lives in front of the keyboard, type writer and Moleskins trying to write the great, all-American novel, story, tale, or whatever they want it to be. In that same vein, former member of The Spyrals' Brandon Wurtz, with Shannon Dean, Bert Hoover, Chance Welton, and Erik Lake have made the all-American sound. The Sons soak their chords from the dense and uptight urban environments to the riffs that rock the rusted biblebelt interstates the tie in the Southern salutes, to tightening up each coastal sea to shining sea. With a first to Jesus Sons' self-titled, the progeny of patriarchs, patriots and outlaws curate a western sound that instills envy in the hearts of all European sons. With their self-titled available January 28 from Mock Records, get in on the inside savior scheme here.
The messianic progeny make music more like rock and roll prodigies, on the opening number, "All These Furs". The guitars are tried, tested, and aren't messing around with any sweet talk. Hitting up the honky-tonks, is the whiskey steeped "Who's Around" that makes the rounds while trying to round up a posse of a few good men, or just a few cool Sons. The sleaze and sure-fire sidewinder percussion and beer gut guitar rolls out the best transgressive romanticism, with the pick-up line invitational of, "I Wanna Be Your Man". The bar room amour turns the table with the slow country western twang and turn instrumental desolation of, "You Put a Spell On Me". Desperation and destitution never sounded so at home and comfortable, than on the soul grabbing, "Don't Wanna Die".
The home on the range away from home living keeps on keeping on with, "Ain't Talkin' Homesick". Jesus Sons take the down, out, and derelict situations and spin it around to be a debaucherous celebration of howls, hisses, and all the grimy attitudes they can muster up. "Out of Time" runs around, out of mind, out of place, hanging out anywhere they want in "the age of the young". "Melt" provides an interlude instrumental moment where percussion mimics rattlers and the other dangers that lie in wait and lurk about the prairie. Bringing down the house, "Going Down" embodies the rollicking ride down the highway to perdition, with Brandon and the gang loving every moment. Closing up their self-titled, Jesus Sons consume themselves in the cautionary delights and rewrite their own Gospels according to their own bourbon soaked doctrines."
Jesus Sons have the swagger, 'tude and strut of "Exile On Mainstreet", the fuzzed out blues rock and harmonica know-how of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, the swamp choogle of CCR, the caveman stomp of the Black Lips, the bratty snarl of the Strange Boys and the repeato-riff debauchery of the Velvet Underground. Jesus Sons are makin' some damn fine jean jacket and shades psychedelic rock and this debut full length is start to finish hazy gaze west coast Americana bliss out. If you're searchin' for your mainline, look no further, just like Sister Ray said… play on! Mega Recommended. LP Available from Mock Records.
AND HERE ARE ALL THE RSD 2014 EXCLUSIVES STILL IN STOCK!!!!!!!!! GRAB 'EM ALL!!!!!!!!!!
LP - Various Artists - The Dunedin Double - The Chills/Sneaky Feelings/The Stone/Verlaines - RSD 2014 Exclusive - $32.99 - BUY - LISTEN
- LISTEN "It’s been over three decades since Christchurch record shop employee and music fan, Roger Shepherd was inspired to start a record label as an outlet for South Island bands. And it was the city of Dunedin that quickly became most strongly associated with Flying Nun.
In 1982, four bands from that southern outpost - The Chills, Sneaky Feelings, the Stones and the Verlaines - each recorded a side for a double 12" EP pack that, which actually untitled, was referred to as the "Dunedin Double". Now for Record Store Day (April 19), Flying Nun will to re-issue this 4EP set that went on to kick start the label.
Not only was it ‘untitled’, it was an unusual format, with no set order and containing two 45rpm 12" discs. Re-mastered, the Dunedin Double is being re-issued again in its original format and limited to 2000 copies.
Recorded over two weekends in damp New Zealand, South Island flats (on portable 4-track by Chris Knox and Doug Hood), it was distinctly lo-fi and in tune with the’ do it yourself’ ethic at the heart of the label. Furthermore it brought the world’s attention to The Chills, Verlaines, The Stones and Sneaky Feelings and established the notion of the ‘Dunedin Sound’, a phrase coined for the young bands that followed in the wake of The Clean and an influence, which carries on to indie-pop bands around the world today." - Flying Nun/Captured Tracks
LP - Various Artists - Electroconvulsive Therapy Vol 2 - Fuzz Dance - RSD 2014 Exclusive - $23.99 - BUY - LISTEN
- LISTEN "For Record Store Day 2014, Medical Records presents two exclusive releases celebrating the classic disco of 1980s Italy. The second release is a very special compilation of very rare and sought after A + B sides (plus 2 more hand-selected tracks) of 3 Italo Disco iconic 12” singles that were originally released on the legendary Fuzz Dance label (a sublabel of Materiali Sonori). This is volume 2 of Medical Records’ Electroconvulsive Therapy series which celebrates rare singles in the synth/wave/disco genre. The first single needs no introduction to lovers of disco. Trophy “Slow Flight” (vocal + instrumental versions) was released in 1982. A very hard-hitting percussive track with very interesting production that is quite gritty yet smooth with it’s vocoded vocals and synth melodies. The second single which is probably the most rare is Zed “Plastic Love” vocal + instrumental versions that were released in 1983. Sultry female vocals and pulsing electro sequences make these two versions absolutely essential.
The original single is commonly bought and sold in triple digits so both A + B sides were included here. Clocking in at the third position on both sides are the vocal and instrumental versions of “Hesitation” by Mya & The Mirror which is a production by Alexander Robotnick (Maurizio Dami) with female vocals. Also included as bonus tracks at the end of side A and B are Mon Bijou’s “Just a Lover” and Naif Orchestra’s “Check Out Five”. Both are unstoppably catchy and were released on Fuzz Dance as well in 1984. For fans of classic and the synthy side of Italo Disco (i.e. Casco, Sun La Shan, Amin Peck, etc). Remasterd byMino Cavallo with additional mastering and restoration by Martin Bowes at the Cage, UK." - Medical Records
LP - Various Artists - Pop Yeh Yeh - Psychedelic Rock From Singapore And Malaysia 1964-1970 Vol 1 - RSD 2014 - $29.99 - BUY - LISTEN
- LISTEN "Until now, for some unknown reason, the psychedelic rock movement in Singapore and Malaysia, aka Pop Yeh Yeh, has never been given the worldwide attention it deserves. This compilation -- Pop Yeh Yeh - Psychedelic Rock from Singapore and Malaysia 1964-1970: Vol. 1 -- is the first of its kind to focus solely on the Malay rock groups of this region. The Pop Yeh Yeh era, which took place roughly between the years of 1964 to 1970, coincided with the rapid modernization happening at the time in Singapore and Malaysia. Sublime Frequencies has already released many incredible compilations from neighboring Indonesia, so it's about time that the Malaysian groups got some attention! Pop Yeh Yeh artists instinctively cross-pollinated electric sounds of the West with Malay melodies, and added their own local poetic voice to the lyrics they wrote -- sung in Malay and sometimes Bawean. The Pop Yeh Yeh musicians started out playing in styles inspired by Western groups like The Beatles and Cliff Richard, but they eventually succeeded in creating a sound all their own -- a sound that is not only accessible to the Western ear, but also retains an undeniable Malay personality. Nearly eight years in the making, this compilation was exhaustively researched and compiled by Carl Hamm and features 26 classic tracks of the very best bands and singers from Singapore and Malaysia's Pop Yeh Yeh era, including M. Osman, Orkes Nirwana, Adnan Othman, A. Halim, Roziah Latiff and The Jayhawkers, J. Sham, Hasnah Haron, Zaleha Hamid, and many more. This CD edition comes in a tri-fold digipak with gorgeous artwork, two 40-page booklets with insanely extensive liner notes including band/artist bios, an overview of the era, translated lyrics, and plenty of rare photos taken from vintage magazines, album covers, and the artists' own personal collections." - Sublime Frequencies
"For the lowriders, the souleros, or just anyone with a still working CD player in their hooptie and a penchant for driving with even a slight gangster lean. Numero pays tribute to the aftermarket sounds of “sweet” soul music still emanating from the West coast, or East Side, depending on your perspective. Inspired by, and paying tribute to the countless cruising compilations, legitimate and (mostly) otherwise, that provide the soundtrack for lowrider and soulero culture, South Side Story is the latest in the Numbero line of takes its aesthetics from the timeless East Side Story series, and its music from Chicago soul groups (mostly, of course, from our mythic South Side). Included here are songs that are completely unreleased, others that are never before issued other than in minuscule pressings on 45, and a few chrome-coated classics, already seen on scads of flash-in-the-pan boots.
The Numero Group’s crack team of researchers cut loose on the city of Chicago to assemble the perfect lowriding companion, and the results are unparalleled. From high school rivals The Si-Berians and The Intentions, who both feature their sole recordings here, to unheard material from the original Calvin Harris, to the elite Latino ensemble known as The Mystics, to the missing link in “sweet-as-sugar” Renaldo Domino’s lonely post-Twinight recording, this dazzling collection slices out a delectable cross-section of the city’s sweetest sounds. 13 perfect “souldies” as they are occasionally called, allowing you to throw away any of your many volumes of Gangster Soul Harmony, Lost Soul Oldies, East Side Story, Hood Dreams, Shady Side of Town (or any of the thousands of other similar iterations)…" - Numero Group
"For Record Store Day 2014, Medical Records presents two exclusive releases celebrating the classic disco of 1980s Italy. First up is a very special hand-picked selection of early singles as well as previously unreleased on vinyl tracks by Alexander Robotnick (aka Maurizio Dami). The debut album by Alexander Robotnick ("Ce N'Est Q'Un Début") was the 2nd release on Medical Records in 2010 and is now in it's 3rd pressing. Maurizio Dami needs no introduction and has been one of the pioneers of the disco/electronic scene since the early 1980s. The first single on the record is "I Wanna Believe" which was released under the moniker Gina & The Flexix in 1985 on the legendary Fuzz Dance label (an Italo Disco sublabel of Materiali Sonori). It is a rare 12" single featuring a dance-floor stomping beat, melodic synth leads and female vocals. The other single on the compilation is the 7" version of "C'est La Vie" which was released in 1987. Most of the LP is comprised of tracks recorded from 1982-1984 which have only been released on CD in 2003 on the "Rare Robotnicks" compilation (except one track from 2005's "Krypta 1982" and one other track culled from "Robotnick Archives"). The exclusive to vinyl tracks were hand-selected and display a diverse and ever-changing sound palette yet maintaining the unique and unmistakable Alexander Robotnick style which we have all loved through the years. Many tracks feature the characteristic vocal style originally exhibited on the international club hit "Problèmes D'Amour". This is a special collection that will appeal to the “Disco Freaks”. For fans of classic Italo disco and it’s many permutations and essential to fans who loved the Medical Records reissue of "Ce N'Est Q'Un Début". Additional remastering by Martin Bowes at the Cage, UK. * Exclusive Record Store Day LP Presented on high-quality 180gram tri-color transparent blue/purple colored vinyl – Limited to 2,000 LPs" - Medical Records
"RSD 2014 release. "Alexis Zoumbas' expressions of longing are so raw and unmediated that I suspect anyone who has ever yearned for anything -- who has ever gazed dolefully out a window, or sighed audibly over a cup of whiskey, or felt subsumed by a certain kind of ache -- will feel these songs like a club to the back of the knees. They are immediate, destructive, and stunning. That Christopher King was able to collect and contain them for us is an extraordinary gift." --Amanda Petrusich; Years of research and obsession have resulted in this, the first collection of recordings by the legendary and masterful Greek folk violinist Alexis Zoumbas. Very few pre-War musicians have tapped deeper into the human soul than Zoumbas and this volume presents his most profoundly hypnotic and unearthly pieces. A deep set of notes is accompanied by previously-unpublished photographs as well as original artwork by R. Crumb. Respectfully crafted by Christopher King and Susan Archie for Angry Mom Records. Deluxe triple-gatefold packaging." - Angry Mom Records
"Powerhouse blues and R&B singer, the original "Hound Dog" belter, and one of the most important female architects of rock & roll." - Allmusic.com
"Career-spanning collectiion of rarities, cover songs, compilation appearances, singles and live recordings. Sixteen tracks in all.
-Limited edition of 1500 copies worldwide.
- Newly re-mastered, finally available on vinyl again.
- Precision-delivered animalistic vengeance from the Pacific Northwest." - Hydra Head Records
LP - David Hess - Last House On The Left - Original Soundtrack - Picture Disc - RSD 2014 Exclusive - $23.99 - BUY - LISTEN
- LISTEN "One Way Static Records is proud to announce the Record Store Day 2014 exclusive release of this historical motion picture soundtrack, now available on picture disc!
David Hess is most famous for his number 1 hit compositions like “All Shook Up” (Elvis Presley), “Speedy Gonzales” (Pat Boone) and other topper sellers for Sal Mineo, Conway Twitty and The Beatles. Horror & cult movie fans remember him mostly for his acting role in Wes Craven’s 1972 The Last House On The Left, but few know he also composed it’s soundtrack in collaboration with Steve Chapin (Let Time Go Lightly).
David’s work here contains some truly beautiful songs, the discovery of which, for some, may be in stark contrast to the brutal displays of sadism and violence for which he was known to purvey onscreen. The fact that Hess could perform as both the poet, and the monster, is a testament to his skill as an artist. The soundtrack to Last House On The Left is a brilliantly unique and diverse mixture of farcical comedy, poignant, reflective folk music and instrumental experimentalism. Hess constructed a wonderful counterbalancing entity, which serves only to accentuate the impact of the movie.
This Record Store Day exclusive is LIMITED TO 1500 COPIES WORLDWIDE and comes with EXTENSIVE & EXCLUSIVE liner notes from RUGGERO DEODATO (Cannibal Holocaust, The House On The Edge Of The Park) ULLI LOMMEL (The Boogey Man, Zodiac Killer) FRANCO NERO (Django, Django Unchained, Die Hard 2) GIOVANNI LOMBARDO RADICE (The House On The Edge Of The Park, Cannibal Ferox, City Of The Living Dead) MARC SHEFFLER (Happy Days, Who’s The Boss?, Charles In Charge) … and many more." - Light In The Attic
LP - Fang/Symbol Six - Split - RSD 2014 Exclusive - $12.99 - BUY
"This 12″ split with SYMBOL SIX is limited to 400 one-sided copies for Record Store Day!" - Jailhouse Records
"Following on from the deluxe reissue of Half Japanese's first album 'Half Gentlemen Not Beasts' for last year's Record Store Day, Fire will be continuing the series with another deluxe reissue, this will be the first of 4 volumes containing 3 vinyl LPs of the next set of Half Japanese albums. This first volume starts with 1981's 'Loud' and also includes 'Our Solar System' and 'Sing No Evil' to bring them through to 1985. All LPs are in their individual original sleeves packaged in a wide spine outer sleeve with new artwork from Jad Fair and booklet with liner notes by Jad and David. Contains a download code.
Half Japanese were formed in 1974 by brothers Jad and David Fair. Despite being lifelong music obsessives, their approach to the craft of writing and the art of performing was utterly unique. Heavily inspired by Jackson Pollock, Half Japanese were always more of an art project than a musical journey. More important than technical ability, was enthusiasm and a thirst for creation. They eschewed traditional ways of playing to explore different tunings, allowing them to coax new sounds from their instruments.
Their first release, a seven inch, EP called Calling All Girls was more of an art project than a business venture, with nine songs, a poster with inserts and a printed cover. They never really expected it to sell, but much to their surprise distributors quickly gobbled up all 500 copies, so they rushed to repress 500 more and began making plans for a second record. It was well and truly a calling card.
Fire Records continues their Half Japanese reissue campaign by bringing you the next three albums in the set, collected as Half Japanese: 1981-1985.
In recording the follow-up, entitled appropriately as Loud, the band came into their classic line-up. Consisting of Jad and David Fair, as well as two Saxophonists; John Dreyfuss and Lana Zabko, and guitarist Mark Jickling, with Rick Dreyfuss on drums. Creating a barrage of enthusiasm and manic energy around rock and roll teen anthems and free jazz skronk, the band were well on their way to carving out a unique legacy.
Our Solar System would bring further joys as they continue to focus on simple themes of love and romance and dancing with girls amongst the experimental noises sneaking out in the music, creating a soundtrack for a sock hop in an alternate universe. The album also featured covers of Buddy Holly, The Velvet Underground, Chuck Berry and Roky Erickson. Their approach to covers is explained by David Fair: "We have covered many songs but never with the idea in mind of having it sound like the original. In fact, we often took only the words and made no effort, whatsoever, to recreate the melody."
On Sing No Evil, Half Japanese truly came into their own, with their DIY roots blending with free jazz touches to create a raucous indie rock classic. Containing songs like "Firecracker Firecracker" that remain set highlights even today, the band had established a voice like no other. This would be the last record with David in the core line-up, and all of the early records bear his powerful arty and experimental streak.
Where would the future take Half Japanese with Jad at the helm? You will have to wait for Half Japanese: 1987-1989 to see." - Fire Records
"At dance clubs and private parties in Northern Mali, Imarhan Timbuktu had provided much of the grooving soundtrack to life there over the past 10 years. Local favorite and featured artist at the legendary Festival au Desert along with their sister group, Tartit, Imarhan Timbuktu have toured Europe and North America, bringing the contemporary music of their culture to world audiences. Grounded in traditional Saharan repertoire, Imarhan Timbuktu developed their unique sound to clearly represent an authentic Tuareg contemporary expression in music influenced by the sounds of the world. This is a connected generation. You'll find them on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. You will find them engaged with local issues as those issues have become world issues. As witnesses to the incredible political forces shattering their world, Imarhan Timbuktu create riveting music. Their electric instruments mix with traditional hand drums. The chorus breathes notes of nostalgia, loss, celebration and pride. The many experiments and collaborations with which the group members have been involved over the years have moved this Tuareg desert blues to fresh coordinates. The group's leader, Mohamed Issa Ag Oumar El Ansari, with his searing guitar and clear voice, takes Imarhan Timbuktu into a swirl of rhythmic variations. Backing him is younger brother, Ousmane Ag Oumar El Ansari, who solidly slashes rhythm lines across the entire aural universe of their music while underneath, the insistent tinde hand-drumming of their sisters, Fadimata Walet Oumar and Zeinabou Walet, establish the foundation under it all. Their contrapuntal propulsion and vocal shouts drive the cadence forward. Add bass and calabash, and the group brings everyone to their feet. This is dance music. It is protest music. It is music that affirms a culture under siege. Imarhan Timbuktu represent a new wave of Tuareg music, proud of their heritage and bravely looking forward to the future. Imarhan Timbuktu is Mohamed Issa Ag Oumar (lead vocal, lead guitar); Ousmane Ag Oumar (rhythm guitar, backup vocal); Fadimata Walet Oumar (tende hand-drum, backup vocal); Zeinabou Walet Oumar (tende hand drum, backup vocal); Baba Traore (bass); Alpha Ousmane Sankare dit Hama (calabash)." - Clermont Music
"RSD 2014 release. Munster Records presents, in a co-release with Discos Alehop!, the first vinyl reissue of the two official singles of British band 'O' Level: "East Sheen" (recorded in November 1977 and released on Psycho) and The Malcolm EP (recorded in December 1978 and released by the Kings Road label). This compilation also includes three tracks from February 1979 never released on vinyl before, plus a rawer alternative version of "East Sheen" dating from March 1978. 'O' Level was created in 1976 by London guitarist Ed Ball along with two friends from school, the Bennett brothers (John on drums and Gerard on bass), who would leave the band in March 1978. That same line-up plus Dan Treacy (another school friend of Ball's) recorded the first Television Personalities single in 1977, titled 14th Floor. 'O' Level self-released that same year a first single which included three tracks strongly influenced by punk's energy (Buzzcocks and Undertones guitars and melody on "East Sheen") and attitude (with ironic comments about fake punks on "Pseudo Punk"), but all of it as if seen from a distance, outside a decadent scene which had already been absorbed by the establishment. The single also features a sort of homonymous anthem called ''O' Levels." As a record collector anecdote, there are two versions of the single with different covers, which go for very high prices. Ed Ball, DIY superhero, returned in late 1978 with four more hits, displaying a sound more oriented towards '60s pop but with the new wave spirit of the time. On this occasion, he was accompanied on bass, drums, and backing vocals by... himself, Ball played everything! The single, titled The Malcolm EP, contains a new hit in "homage" to Malcolm McLaren, "We Love Malcolm"; a portrait of the scene, "Everybody's on Revolver Tonight" (where the pseudo punks and part-time punks make another appearance); and two tracks with '60s melodies: "Leave Me Alone" (with a very Love-esque chorus) and "Stairway to Boredom" (pure new wave sound). But Ed Ball's music career didn't end with this second single. After recording three more tracks in February 1979, which have never been released on vinyl until now, he continued developing the same strand of wonderful pop through the '80s and '90s with bands such as Teenage Filmstars, Television Personalities, The Times, and many more, ending with four records as a solo artist. 'O' Level was Ed Ball, a passionate pop artisan who deserves to be rediscovered." - Munster Records
LP - Pissed Jeans - The Very Best Of Sub Pop 2009-2013 - Live At The BBC - RSD 2014 Exclusive - $14.99 - BUY
"Here are four live-in-the-studio tracks that (finally!) give meaning and validation to Sub Pop’s existence. This historic platter is limited to 3,000 copies worldwide, and these versions of the tracks are exclusive to this release." - Sub Pop
LP - Ramblin Jack Elliott - Jack Elliott - RSD 2014 Exclusive - $22.99 - BUY
"When Ramblin' Jack Elliott's name comes up in folk magazines, he's usually identified as a Guthrie copy who later passed on his skills of impersonation to Bob Dylan. This is true to a point, but a listener doesn't have to check out but three or four tracks on Jack Elliott to find out what an original oddball he is. It's true, he does cover Guthrie's "1913 Massacre" here, and he tends to prefer traditional material like "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" and "More Pretty Girls" over originals. But his extravagant vocals deliver this material in the strangest, most startling manner. The listener can never be sure whether he's sending up a song like "Roll on Buddy" or just determined to turn tradition on its head. The most fun and fascinating piece here is "Guabi Guabi," an African folk song that Elliott learned by copying the vocal inflections. Of course, in his typical fashion, he talks through part of song explaining that he couldn't understand a certain section of the original. In his off the cuff, just for the hell of it way, Elliott has more in common with the Holy Modal Rounders than traditionalists like Pete Seeger or the New Lost City Ramblers. Jack Elliott manages to pay its respects to public domain material while still being entertaining." - Allmusic.com
"RSD 2014 release. Munster Records presents, in a co-release with Discos Alehop!, the three official singles of the British band Teenage Film Stars reissued on vinyl for the first time: "(There's A) Cloud Over Liverpool" (Clockwork Records), "The Odd Man Out" (Wessex Records/Blueprint Records) and "I Helped Patrick McGoohan Escape" (Fab Listening Records). After self-releasing two records with his band 'O' Level, in 1979 Ed Ball continued the path of '60s-influenced new wave pop already present in that band's The Malcolm EP (1978), now under the name Teenage Filmstars. In this new adventure he was accompanied by his school friends Dan Treacy and Joe Foster (both members of Television Personalities). With their help, Ball released a first single in September 1979 featuring two songs: the A-side was taken by "(There's A) Cloud Over Liverpool" (a tremendous chorus-song) and the B-side contained "Sometimes Good Guys Don't Follow Trends" (a comment on youth culture). The song "(There's A) Cloud Over Liverpool" received support by John Peel and reached certain fame in the UK and the United States, where it was interpreted as an homage to John Lennon. June 1980 saw the release of their second single, titled "The Odd Man Out," where Teenage Filmstars offered as the lead track a catchy ska-pop number in the vein of Madness. The other side featured "I Apologise," a beautiful pop melody punctuated by the kind of guitars characteristic of the revival mod bands of the time. Their last single, from November 1980, included the track from their repertoire with the biggest potential, "I Helped Patrick McGoohan Escape" (re-recorded in 1982 for Ball's next project, The Times, again along with Dan Treacy), an homage to the actor Patrick Joseph McGoohan, who worked on the late 1960s cult TV series "The Prisoner." The single's other side featured "We're Not Sorry," a power pop nugget which links them with bands such as The Jam and Merton Parkas (who were mocked on one of the two sleeves of "(There's A) Cloud Over Liverpool"). This compilation also includes two tracks never released on vinyl until now which were recorded in April 1979, in the style of 'O' Level: "He's a Professional" (anti-military punk-pop) and the folk-punk anthem "The John Peel March," dedicated to the legendary BBC radio host and great supporter of new bands. This retrospective is completed with a recording session dated to November 1980 which produced three tracks ("Storybook Beginnings," "Dressing Up for the Cameras" and "The Sun Never Sets") which further explore the power pop-mod sound that Ed Ball would develop in his next band The Times. Ed Ball's music career would continue into the 1980s and 1990s in bands such as Television Personalities (until 1985), The Times (until 1999) and many more projects, including four albums as a solo artist." - Munster Records
LP - White Mystery - Dubble Dragon - RSD 2014 Exclusive - $25.99 - BUY
"White Mystery's fourth studio album and a blistering live performance come together into a 20 song Rock & Roll epic, weaving together their signature non-stop energy with heroic poetry and fantastical elements borne from the telepathic minds of Miss Alex White and Francis Scott Key White." - self released
LP - Yardbirds - Little Games RSD 2014 Exclusives - $24.99 - BUY
Side one
1.
"Little Games"
2.
"Smile on Me"
3.
"White Summer"
4.
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor"
5.
"Glimpses"
Side two
1.
"Drinking Muddy Water"
2.
"No Excess Baggage"
3.
"Stealing Stealing"
4.
"Only the Black Rose"
5.
"Little Soldier Boy"
"From 1985 to 1990, Maura Jasper was the go-to artist for “ear-bleeding country” trio Dinosaur Jr. From “Repulsion” to their self-titled debut LP, from You’re Living All Over Me to “Freak Scene,” from Bug to “Just Like Heaven,” and on posters, videos, and t-shirts, the Dinosaur Jr. look was born of Jasper’s love for Norwegian expressionist Edvard Munch and English anarchist Gee Vaucher. Collected inside are Dinosaur Jr.’s first four singles, a bonus fifth 7” pairing “Show Me The Way” with a cover of the Byrds’ “Feel A Whole Lot Better,” plus a Jasperpenned essay on her creative process and a book of unused work from the period. Limited to 5000 copies." - Numero Group
"Blood, Sweat and Psychedelic Rock.
“Testify” is the unexpected lost masterpiece by the Portland-based professional wrestler, Beauregarde. Originally released in 1971, “Testify” showcases the guitar work of a then 17 year old Greg Sage – The Wipers.
The music features psychedelic guitar solos over rockrhythms and soul beats ala Funkadelic. Beauregarde’s vocalstyle is direct, unique and passionate, yet never goes overboard.
Long sought after by collectors across the globe, Jackpot Records is proud to re-release this single as a hand numbered, limited edition of 1000. Lovingly remastered by Greg Sage (The Wipers) using the original master tapes." - Jackpot
"Taut and tough Wray from his heyday! One of the original heavy metal heroes, Link Wray basically invented power chord riffing—both Jimmy Page and Pete Townshend have credited their interest in becoming axe gods to him—and his recordings are a monument to the relentless influence of his unique razor-blade extended guitar sound. “Slinky,” from 1959, was the his third Epic Records single, a mysterious, stinging riff that builds into a frenzied solo, then coolly resolves…the perfect soundtrack for a gang of leather-jacketed teenagers looking for trouble on a warm city night! “Rendezvous” suggests gentler side of Wray, beginning as a mellow midtempo cha-cha, but ultimately evolving into a snarling stroll with a killer guitar solo. Backed on both sides by the sympathetic swagger of Wray’s brothers Doug and Vernon, these two recordings show a key personality in the development of rock ’n’ roll, at a time when record labels continually wanted to soften him and make him safe, continuing to follow his metal muse and lay down recordings that would inspire thousands of rock, punk and surf guitarists for decades to come. Features a reproduction of the ultra-rare original picture sleeve, and promotional labels—get this Wray today!" - Sundazed
"The 1966 debut by the Minneapolis-based Litter! “Action Woman” and “A Legal Matter” are stomping, searing ’60s sides—an unstoppable collection of snotty vocals and fuzzy guitar lines. The Litter become a determined collective mind on these performances, and the result is a coupling that stands side-by-side with other iconic recordings of the era, like “Sweet Young Thing” and “You're Gonna Miss Me.” Even the tambourine and maracas have loud and clear attitude that few other records can match! The original Scotty 45 is a cornerstone of any serious 1960s record collection, and now is reproduced in this lovingly created edition that features a Scotty Records-styled sleeve with a rare vintage group photo and notes by TeenBeat Mayhem! author Mike Markesich. “Action Woman” is a flawless hallmark performance, and “A Legal Matter” takes the Who’s music from the Mod clubs into the suburban garage with jet fuel-powered tempo and aggression. With in-the-studio presence and clarity taken from the original masters, this is the sound of garage rock maturing into psychedelia—prime, postured and pulsating!" - Sundazed
7in - Roy Lanham - The Spectacular Six String Of Roy Lanham - RSD 2014 Exclusive - $8.99 - BUY
"The space-age guitar sound of Roy Lanham! A guitarist's guitarist, Lanham had no less a player than Merle Travis commenting about listening to his records in admiration—his clean, jazzy lines were a fountain of inspiration for several generations of pickers! After touring heavily in the 1940s with acts like western swing pioneer Hank Penny and early pop idol Gene Austin, Lanham was at his peak in 1959 when he made these recordings, which have never been issued in any form until now! Includes the stunning “My Adobe Hacienda,” a romping original “Lanham Boogie,” and takes on “Carnival In Paris” and “Song of India,” both of which Lanham would later record for other labels, all featuring his gorgeous tone wrapped in vintage (and cool!) tape delay echo! With a small, unobtrusive combo backing Lanham’s tasteful, complex lines, these are not the typically overproduced instrumental recordings of the late ’50s but the genuine sound of a guitar leader and his supporting musicians deftly playing through tunes they clearly knew and loved. Pressed on red wax—a tribute to Roy's famed red Jazzmaster—with new notes by Rich Kienzle, this is an indispensable collection of previously unissued guitar mastery!" - Sundazed
"The Standells are one of the most successful of all garage rock bands, with their signature song "Dirty Water" having been a huge nationwide hit in the sultry summer of 1966! True fathers of punk rock, they were touring later that year to support the success of their hit record when they were professionally captured on tape opening up for the Beach Boys at a University of Michigan performance as they served up a raucous, raw live helping of their most famous record—now featured on this limited edition that puts you as close to a mid-’60s frat fuzz party as you can get! “Dirty Water” is a tireless anthem, a song for the hip-and-happening whose legacy shines in this rare recording. Also includes “Twitchin’,” a previously unissued 1963 instrumental from the group’s earliest days, predating their first record. Plus, recollections about both recordings from original member Larry Tamblyn, housed in a picture sleeve featuring rare photos that evokes the look and feel of 1966. Live and raw energy from the legendary Standells—on clear vinyl!" - Sundazed
7in - Sunrays - Our Leader b/w Qon't You Tell Me - RSD 2014 Exclusive - $8.99 - BUY
"When the Beach Boys fired their manager-father Murry Wilson in 1964, he recruited a young group — the Sunrays — to mentor as he had his own children. The ’Rays took on sun, fun and girls in songs like “I Live For the Sun” and “Andrea”—heavily influenced by Brian Wilson's rich, intricate production work for the Beach Boys—which became huge regional hits. As a thank you, the Sunrays wrote and recorded “Our Leader” for Murry, a heartfelt tribute to one of rock music’s most storied personalities. Presented to Wilson on Christmas Eve 1965, the track is as polished and produced as any of the group’s released records, and even features the mixed time signatures and a cappella sections that Brian would explore in depth the following year with Smile! Plus, “Won't You Tell Me” is the classic lost recording from the Wilson circle, a demo for a song Murry had written for his sons, featuring members of the Sunrays and the Wrecking Crew—along with assistance from Dennis Wilson—emulating the Beach Boys sound and achieving something as complex and moving as anything on the group's greatest album of the period, Sunflower. Neither track was originally issued, and both appear here on vinyl for the first time. Also features rare photos and an insert with notes by original Sunrays member Rick Henn. The sunny and soulful sounds of the Sunrays!" - Sundazed
Book - Dust And Grooves - Adventures In Record Collecting - RSD 2014 Exclusive - $74.99 - BUY
"Eilon Paz’s 416-page coffee-table book illuminates over 130 vinyl collectors and their collections in the most intimate of environments—their record rooms. With a foreword by the RZA, compelling photographic essays are paired with in-depth interviews to illustrate what motivates record collectors to keep digging for more records.
Readers get an up close and personal look at a variety of well-known vinyl champions as well as a glimpse into the collections of known and unknown DJs, producers, record dealers, and everyday enthusiasts. The book is divided into two main parts: the first features 250 full-page photos framed by captions and select quotes, while the second consists of 12 full-length interviews that delve deeper into collectors’ personal histories and vinyl troves." - Dust & Grooves
