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In previous years, they've always put these in genre order, I guess they decided not to do that this year. Oh well... If you don't like certain selections, don't gripe at me. These are from Amoeba's website compiled by their staff. In alphabetical order, here goes nothing:
Albert Ayler
Holy Ghost
Totally indulgent! 10 CDs, extensive liner notes, rare photos, a little dried flower; all in a plastic reproduction of a carved Moroccan "spirit box." Naysayers may claim that this is a "stunt buy" but those who can get under the skin of Ayler's gospel shrieks and sawdust-floor honks (like Coltrane, himself) know the real story. Witness a true believer! - Mark Beaver
Alice Coltrane
Translinear Light
More than twenty years after her last recordings, Alice Coltrane has reemerged. Blending the present with the past, Alice's new compositions are accompanied with a revisitation of her older works. Coltrane's sons Ravi and Oran, as well as drummer Jack DeJohnette and bassist Charlie Haden, are just a few of the musicians that lend their notes to Alice's timeless piano.
American Music Club
Love Songs for Patriots
Angry, dark, bitter, melancholy, lush, warm, beautiful, sad... like your favorite rainy day!!! - Tom Wunder
Arcade Fire
Funeral
I get so excited when I like a newish band. Rumor has it, they all sing on stage even though a bunch of them don't have mics. Energy, lots of it. - Ben Gibbs
Canada's Arcade Fire craft cabaret-tinged, longing, bittersweet, epic, rolling, addictive tunes. The hype is justified.
Autolux
Future Perfect
Distorted guitars create a shape-shifting haze. Tightly knit drumming comes undone and then re-knots. Murmuring vocals breathe in-between intense whispers. Calling Future Perfect a noise-pop album is an understatement. Dark noise-pop with flashing bright spots is... a little better.
Bacilos
Sin Verguenza
Multi-Latino trio from Miami mix Caribbean rhythms into a smart, funny pop latté. - Robert(o) Leaver
Bettye Swann
self-titled
This amazing collection of songs from southern soul sensation Bettye Swann comes from a surprising source electronic label Astralwerks. Like the label's release of Candi Staton earlier this year, this cd shows the phenomenal range of Bettye's voice and emotion. Truly a treat. - Orion
The Black Keys
Rubber Factory
Who knew two dorky white boys could rock it like Jimi? - Susie P. The third album from this Akron, Ohio blues-rock duo is a scorching, abrasive expression of pain and pride!
Bloc Party
self-titled EP
The perfect CD to let you give Franz Ferdinand a break from constant rotation in your player. This South London quartet blazes through punked-out dance rave-ups - watch for their full length in 2005!
Brian Wilson
Smile
Whether you believe SMiLE is a modern day masterpiece that leaves PET SOUNDS in the dust, or it's just a nicely shined set of dentures, there's one thing that can be agreed on. In sheer size and scope, nothing else released this year equals its artistic vision. Originally conceived/abandoned in 1967, these three suites take the listener on a trippy journey across America, where heroes and villains eat vega-tables and watch columnated ruins domino. Sound strange? Sure. But is anything of artistic worth ever considered normal? Kevin Finnerty
Brian Jonestown Massacre
Tepid Peppermint Wonderland
I love my tambourine playin' man! Viva La Joel! Check out the movie Dig!.- Don
Anton Newcomb's prolific output over the years puts most artists to shame (10 albums in 10 years) is showcased here - and the psychedelic, brit-pop tinged dance party rolls on...
Buddy Miller
Universal United House Of Prayer
Buddy Miller's resonant guitar has found a spiritual home in the gospel tradition. The album is aptly named with its non-denominational hope, barrier-less common vernacular through music, and inviting sense of celebration. Think roots, blues, grooves, and truths.
Can
Ege Bamyasi and Tago Mago (remasters)
It is a treat to find that these two albums have been released once again. One of the best experimental bands of the 70's that combines a delightful array of rock, jazz, punk, funk, tribal music that guides it's listener through a psychedelic journey that feels new with each listen. - Adrienne
Four of the best Can albums are finally given some sonic updating! These records are all great, but if I could choose only one, it would be Tago Mago. A sprawling double LP from 1971 with some great psychedelic rock jams, some long, spacy tribal grooves, and some crazy freakout sound collages. Let the music weave patterns into your subconscious while you try to decipher Damo's vocalese... Ege Bam Yasi is great too! - Michael Henning
Charlie Watts
Watts At Scott's
From longtime drummer for the Rolling Stones to established jazz percussionist, Charlie continues to expand his remarkable range. On this record, his current ensemble explores the works of Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, and Duke Ellington... as well as showcasing some inspired originals (including a new take on "Satisfaction").
Cocorosie
La Maison de Mon Reve
They remind me of a folky lo-fi version of Billy Holiday with cracked out lyrics. Likers of Devendra Banhart should check this out. - Shayne Keator
Coco Mbassi
Sepia
Coco Mbassi's native West African nation of Cameroon is halfway across the globe, but Sepia spans influences from all over it. Weaving her soulful, indigenous vocals through multi-layered arrangements, Mbassi draws a unique sound reminiscent of everything from American jazz to European classical music.
Comets On Fire
Blue Cathedral
Utrillo is the secret weapon. - Brock Galland Remember those stoner dudes who play really loud? Well they just found their dad's Blue Oyster Cult records. - Robert Edwin Haines
Converge
You Fail Me
Like Wine These Guys Grow Better with Age. In Their Ten Plus Year Career They Pull Out There Best Album to Date. Chaotic, Loud, Angry & Full of Pain & Melancholy. A Journey into Love Lost, Double Cross, Revenge, Hope & the Struggle to Become Whole Again - Kieran Sandoval
The Court and Spark
Witch Season
A moody and expansive, sun bleached country rock record. "Sweetest record this side of the Mississippi. SF boys are hotter'n Georgia asphalt. My, my..." - Laura Gotz
Craig Armstrong
Piano Works
Bridging the delicate gap between Classical and Ambient music... - Ilene Atmospheric compositions on piano from the Scottish composer. Each composition plays like a personalized soundtrack and lulls and pleases, but never veers into generic "chillout" territory.
Crime
San Francisco's Still Doomed (reissue)
True, degenerate punk from late '70s SF. File it warmly next to your Flipper and Tuxedo Moon records. Thanks to Swami for reissuing an otherwise impossible to find album! - Jennifer Butler
Death From Above 1979
You're a Woman, I'm a Machine
Vice is hitting the nail on the head all year long. Canada is a great place and two is, indeed, a magic number. - Giovanni Marks With just drums, bass and voice, DFA '79 have made one of the heaviest records of the year.
Delgados
Universal Audio
On Universal Audio, the Delgados unfurl their previous, signature sound for a more direct approach. This release finds this Scottish indie group with a refined and redefined focus on their pop sensibilities... especially attributed to their brilliant choruses and infectious melodies. This record truly attests to their songwriting talents.
Devendra Banhart
Nino Rojo
Somewhat of a companion piece to Banhart's earlier 2004 release Rejoicing in the Hands, this record was assembled with more selected tracks from Rejoicing's original session. On Nino Rojo, Banhart once again delivers a spiritualized folk aesthetic... with an honest simplicity and beautiful melodies.
Dillinger Escape Plan
Miss Machine
The tech-metal nightmare that is Dillinger Escape Plan returns with an album loaded with jarring time-signatures, jazzy interludes, and angry hardcore.
Dogs Die in Hot Cars
Please Describe Yourself
XTC and Oingo Boingo rumble with Dexy's Midnight Runners at the John Hughes High dance-off!! Epic,quirky, harmonized, baroque pop pleasures from Scotland...
Don Byron
Ivey-Divey
Clarinetist Don Bryon plays a slightly avant-garde style of jazz that mixes his creative tendencies of post-bop, swing, and funk. On Ivey-Divey he employs this style to pay homage to a 1946 album featuring Lester Young, Nat King Cole, and Buddy Rich. In addition, Byron also includes two renditions of Miles Davis classics.
Elliott Smith
From a Basement on the Hill
Heartbreakingly beautiful...Smith's somber, sophisticated song-craft takes the listener on an emotional journey - from happy highs to the depths of despair. This moody masterpiece of breathtaking balladry, haunting refrains, catchy choruses, experimental experiences, and perfectly unpredictable production serves as a fond and fitting farewell to one of the best songwriters of our time. - Mary Patton
Frausdots
Couture, Couture, Couture
This records truly reminds me of early Echo & The Bunnymen. I think it's one of the guys from the Beachwood Sparks. Go figure. But this is one of the best albums of the year. - Kieran Sandoval
Frog Eyes
The Folded Palm
This shit has just been fucking my world up! It makes me want to dance on people's graves. OH YOU'LL LOVE IT! - Sujey Quirky in the best possible way; this Canadian band's unsettling new album is a fantastic blend of dirty post punk mixed with Tom Waits-style carnival music and Nick Cave-esque brooding.
The Fucking Am
Gold
Gold's fusion of the metalish Fucking Champs and the more electronicky Trans AM once again renders a uniquely brilliant matrimony. And, unlike some musical collaborations, the Fucking AM is successful in avoiding the my-turn, your-turn pitfall... and instead, is able to work cohesively to create their musical hybrid.
Ghana Soundz Vol.2
various artists
A fantastic compilation of rare afro-beat, afro-funk, and afro-fusion from 1970's Ghana. Amazing, funky, hypnotic dance music!
Graham Coxon
Happiness in Magazines
The former Blur-guitarist's latest album blends the lo-fi indie-fuzz of his earlier solo outings with a more focused and concise batch of songs, for a wonderful, intimate guitar-pop record. (Includes US only bonus track.)
Gris Gris
self-titled
As a native of New Orleans, I was naturally drawn to a band with this name. For those not versed in hoodoo, gris gris is a spell, an intoxicating, hypnotic spell put onto people to lure them somewhere they might not ordinarily go to, whether because it's dark and shadowy or disorienting enough to make one follow the will o' the wisp lights, the pretty, pretty lights. Oops! I think I just reviewed the album. - Geofrey Caruso
Young Oakland guy, Greg Ashley, made a noteworthy record last year called "Medicine Fuck Dream". This year, he added three friends and bit off Dr. John to create more honorable psychedelic weeblewobble. - Laura Gotz
Guitar Wolf
Loverock
The latest Guitar Wolf album is another relentless blast of chaotic rock 'n' roll energy. Extreme Japanese punk rock for those who like it loud and dirty!
Handsome Boy Modeling School
White People
These cats are hip-hop geniuses! The latest, long awaited masterpiece by super producers, Dan The Automator and Prince Paul. With these sharp lingering drum patterns and the off the wall selection of featured artists, the dudes definitely know what they're doing. I mean, who puts Jack Johnson, Cedric from The Mars Volta, and RZA on the same album together? Really! Listen, you'll understand. - Antaeus Roy
I Heart Huckabees
soundtrack
"One of my favorite movies of the year with a kick-ass soundtrack to boot! Songs for existentialists." - Laura Davis Songwriter/Producer Jon Brion lends his hand to the hit film with a mix of gorgeous, yet quirky instrumental melodies, and a handful of his own lush pop-songs.
Isis
Panopticon
You were laying on your back. The Earth cradling the arch. All the blue showered down upon the creatures. - Kindle Epic metal soundscapes from the new masters. Heavy as all hell.
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
Walking with Giants
Forget the Bad Plus or Medeski, Martin & Wood, this is the best trio in jazz today. Brian Haas plays the piano with the complex grace of Andrew Hill and bassist Reded Mathis is visionary, set to expand the boundaries of his instrument. I can't imagine anyone who loves jazz not diggin' this set. - Dennis
Jimmy Bosch
El Avion De La Salsa
One of the most celebrated trombone players in Contemporary Latin music. This album is full of amazing Salsa music!
Jim Lauderdale
Headed for the Hills
Lauderdale has been a favorite of mine for years and he just keeps getting better. After two duets with Ralph Stanley and one with Donna the Buffalo, Lauderdale takes all the twang he absorbed from them and makes his best record ever. Big thanks to Robert Hunter for co-writing some amazing songs. - Jon Terry
John Lennon
Acoustic
16 spare tracks, including 7 previously unreleased selections. Includes a scorching, acoustic "Cold Turkey" and Plastic Ono Band demos of "Well Well Well," "God," and "My Mummy's Dead" "What the hell took so long to put this out? Pure & simple, and totally devastating!" - Michael Cooper
Junior Boys
Last Exit
The stunning debut album from this Canadian electro-pop group is an update on 80's new-romantic balladry, with a sonic palette that draws from German minimal techno and the jerky hip-hop production of Timbaland.
Keren Ann
Not Going Anywhere
Israeli-French Keren Ann's 3rd album, and first English language release. Strong, yet delicate songwriting and stripped down instrumentation that perfectly compliment her hypnotic voice (like Francoise Hardy reading Nick Drake's tarot cards).
Lateef & The Chief
Maroons
Maroons joins Blackalicious producer Chief Xcel with Latryx's Lateef. On this collaboration for Quannum, Lateef's writing and delivery are painted into Chief Xcel's epic soundscapes to create a fused, politically and socially relevant album.
Libertines
self-titled
Pete sounds in bad shape but it works as a harrowing, beautiful wreck that pains and pleasures. - Cap n' Crunk
Kick-ass jams that remind you of that dodgy night club where you got drunk and ended up at the lead singers flat watching him play an acoustic set till 6 in the morning. - Cheyne Nadeau
Re-released and including a bonus DVD!
Low
The Great Destroyer
Low return with their epic debut for Sub Pop, produced by Dave Fridmann (Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev), who adds bombast and texture to their beautiful songs.
M83
Before the Dawn
M83 are a nearly perfect meeting of the 90¹s British ³shoegazer² sound and the current crop of tunefully-inclined bedroom electronica artists. A huge album of fuzzed-out melancholy synth lines and larger-than-life melodies! Gorgeous!
Marianne Faithfull
Before the Poison
Brilliant, dark and brooding but somehow not depressing. Possibly her best over-all since "Broken English". Her collaborations with PJ Harvey and Nick Cave on this CD are a perfect fit! - Carol Phillips
Mastodon
Leviathan
Atlanta, Georgia's Mastodon delivers a heavy, organic and layered metal opus, based loosely on Mellville's "Moby Dick." It's a technically dazzling, layered, undulating metal opera.
Midnight Movies
Midnight Movies
Cinematic and driving, spacey art-rock with psychedelic electronics coupled with eerie melodies sung by the kick-ass drummer and vocalist Gena Olivier.
The Moore Brothers
Now Is The Time For Love
Finally, the acoustic album that captures the magic of the Moore Brothers harmony singing and songwriting. Brother Greg's side-project, Sandycoates, has a great new ep as well. - Bradley
Okay, they played at my engagement party a couple of years ago. It was really special and everyone was really quiet while they played. Me and my soon-to-be bride held each other and swayed with the lilting harmonies and smiled until our cheeks hurt. I heard these songs playing in the store one day and you know what? It was like falling in love all over again. - Geofrey Caruso
Moving Units
Dangerous Dreams
As you can probably already tell, I'm into dance-punk and this Moving Units full-length is a nice revival of the original dancy post-punk acts like Gang of Four and A Certain Ratio, only more produced and with a heavy electronic influence. Jams include "Between Us & Them," an excellent Gang Of Four sounding song, and "Anyone," a haunting, desperate call to just find... anyone. - Heather Merovich
Muse
Absolution
Britain's Muse deliver an epic album that takes Bends-era Radiohead and embellishes it with glam bombast and rock-opera drama for a tremendous album! Earth shattering, life saving!! This year's arena rock (kinda) entry. - Steve Countryman
Nancy Sinatra
self-titled
The California girl's triumphant return to perfectly pitched collaborations - with musician/ admirers like Morrissey, Calexico, Pete Yorn, Thurston Moore, Jon Spencer, and others. The two tracks from Jarvis Cocker and Richard Hawley are standouts and take us back to the classic Lee Hazelwood/Sinatra songs.
Napoleon Dynamite
Soundtrack
When In Rome's "The Promise" should be reason enough to buy this soundtrack, but you also get other awesome 80's hits, some newer indie-stuff, the quirky score, and plenty of amazing, sweet dialogue from the movie!
Nas
Street's Disciple
Simple arithmatic shows how this album from young Master Jones is fantastic. Such an aural array! Such verbal acrobatics! We've heard it said that even at his worst, Nas is good. We concur.
Neko Case
The Tigers Have Spoken
- Punk rock country diva Neko Case has a new album, and though most of the songs are covers, she still brings her unique winsome twang. Backed by The Sadies, she weaves a 'soulful shade of blue' through it all. - karen
Neurosis
Eye Of Every Storm
The masters of ambient metal return! Eye Of Every Storm marks a further progression into dark atmospheres and eerie minimalism, punctuated with the crushing fury you've come to expect.
Nick Cave & Bad Seeds
Abattoir Blues/The Lyre of Orpheus
Purists may be pissed. Nick kicked heroin and found God but this may be his finest hour. His sandpaper drawl sounds aces with the London Community Choir. The Seeds play like they're possessed too. A resounding manifesto for the redemptive power of love. - Dennis
Ojos de Brujo
Bari
This is the future of flamenco, pure and simple. The guitar work is amazing, the vocals searing, and there's just enough hip-hop influence to bring this magical music into the 21st century.
Old Crow Medicine Show
O.C.M.S
Some of the fastest bluegrass from some of its youngest players - and these boys can sing. 1/2 traditionals, 1/2 originals and yes, folk music is still alive and well in America.
Panda Bear
Young Prayer
This record is so sweet. I like to sit in my room and sway a little to it. The squirrels outside like it too... they sit by my window and listen sometimes. Beautiful solo album from Animal Collective member. - Inez
Patton Oswalt
Feelin' Kinda Patton
- Yet another crush of mine. I heard this cd, and I was crying from the laughter. He is too much. Nummmers! - Jenn Pratt
For ages I heard this guy was funnier'n shit. Now I know why. - Josh Pollack
Recorded live at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, the album offers the wickedly insightful comedy.
Kaada/Patton
Romances
Soaring compositions of lilting, bruised, sci-fi beauty. Listen to this with the lights off. Norway's Kaada provides lush soundscapes that are augmented by Patton's vocals and electronic tweaks.
Pavement
Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain (reissue)
I waited 2 years when this record was released originally from when "Slanted..." was releases and this one was definitely worth the 10 year wait. - Chris Garcia
Nostalgia is a weird thing. The bonus tracks don't make me feel like I'm 18 again, but they're still good. - Ben Gibbs
Phoenix
Alphabetical
Soulful pop from Paris. Saucy. If you've seen the movie Lost in Translation or have listened to the soundtrack then you've heard Phoenix before. - Shayne Keator
Pinback
Summer in Abaddon
This is indie rock with harmonies. Does that make it indie pop? The songs are moody, beautiful, complex, and catchy. This has become my soundtrack to riding the bus through the streets of San Francisco. - Rachael McGovern
Rachid Taha
Tekitoi
Born in Algeria, Rachid Taha has a French passport, an understanding of rock music's placement within the vast musical weave, and a desire to create complicated new genres. Voiced mostly in Arabic, Rachid Taha creates his identity through his work adding influences as he encounters them geographically... to produce something one is unable to categorize.
Ray Lamontagne
Trouble
Sometimes you stumble on a record and it kinda gets its hooks into you, even if you fight it. This is one of those records. His voice reminds me of someone, somewhere, sometime. Earthy. simple. A little gravel and salt. Like Van Morrison or early Tim Buckley. Certainly sad, but mostly deep. Produced by Ethan Johns. - Karen
The Residents
The Commercial DVD & 25th Anniversary CD
One of my top 5 fave records set to visuals. A brillant gift to the fans. - Ghost The CD includes a bound book with lyrics and new images. The DVD features 56 original videos based on the 40 Commercial Album songs.
Richard Buckner
Dents & Shells
Ohh, the music of a Volkswagon commercial. I do have to admit that's the reason I reignited my love for this guy's music. - Eric B.
His voice is like a big chair or something, it's always comfortable and just kind of surrounds you - sorry about the metaphor. - Seth Robert Babb
Robyn Hitchcock
Spooked
Backed by Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, this finds the man with a lightbulb head in rare form. Funny, surprisingly tender and liltingly complex as his touchstone, Bob Dylan. - Dennis
Rogue Wave
Out Of The Shadow
San Francisco's Rogue Wave are quintessentially "indie-rock" and seem out to prove that there's life left in the genre. Charming and hooky, without any unnecessary slickness; fans of The Shins or New Pornographers will find plenty to like here.
St Etienne
Travel Edition 1990 - 2005
This roundup of singles spanning the last 15 years really puts into perspective the pop force that Saint Etienne have been. Always clever and always catchy, this serves as a fantastic introduction to the band.
Saul Williams
self-titled
To me Saul is one of the sickest poet/MC/spoken word cats around. On this self-titled album Saul delivers a very versatile record. His first album was a little disappointing. Just because I always knew that he was capable of making a record that was not caged within the confines of hip-hop. Along with TV on The Radio, Saul continues this wave of Soul Rock that has it's own modern-cultural uprooting. Sprouting something very new! - (jah-key-lee)
Smith / Ibarra / Zorn
Birthday Series Vol. 8
One of a number of great live recordings celebrating Zorn's 50th birthday. Wadada Leo Smith, Susie Ibarra, John Zorn - a rare and daring trio - and Susie Ibarra rules on traps. - Marc Weinstein
Steel Pulse
African Holocaust
All new and original roots style - very good. David Hinds sounds great! A big thanks to Steel Pulse for the killer in-store performance. - Barry
Swayzak
Loops from the Bergerre
The deep-house duo return with a cleaner, sparser sound complemented by several vocal collaborations, reigning in their extended dance numbers in favor of more concise pop songs.
Tegan and Sara
So Jealous
Tegan and Sara, supported by a band including John Collins and David Carswell from the New Pornographers, have added another gold star to their résumés. Their sound is a synth-rock, 80s pop rock hybrid... and their lyrics are secrets: honest, dark, and confessional. Maybe So Jealous will be the vessel to further expanding their cult indie appeal.
The Concretes
The Concretes
The Swedish band's proper full-length debut trades in their spare indie-pop for lush, shimmering orchestration. A delightfully druggy album of dulcet pop!
The Faint
Wet From Birth
Songs like "Desperate Guys" and "Southern Belles in London Sing" use violins to create haunting tunes, while "Dropkick the Punks" employs crunchy guitars and shouted lyrics to enhance its boisterous feel. - Heather Merovich
The Sadies
Favourite Colours
Toronto guys back up Neko Case on her new record and current tour. Once they made a record with your slickest pervy friend, Andre Williams. Now they wear Nudi suits and play the shit out of some pretty songs they wrote. - Laura Gotz
The Stills
Logic Will Break Your Heart
There is not a song on this record that I dislike. I've listened to it over a hundred times and I refuse to put it away. It's great that a pretentious magazine can release a very non-pretentious record. - Travis King
Vanishing
Still Lifes are Failing
Second Full Length from San Franciscans-turned-Berliners. Dark & Cold, this one spits at it's own reflection, laughs maniacally, and then recoils in disgust. And all to that catchy and trademarked Brian "Muffin" Hock disco beat! - Aaron Detroit
Tinariwen
Amassakoul
I admit, I don't understand a word of Tamashek, the language of these desert dwelling poet-warriors, but damned if I don't dig on the bluesy, polyrhythmic call and response groove they churn up like a sandstorm around an oasis.- Orion
Tom Waits
Real Gone
From the most benevolent sentiments to the darkest nightmares,Waits is a storyteller. Each song tells its story of conception: its fine, intricate construction, its careful placement into a shadow box, and then - with Waits's throaty bark - the smashing deconstruction of anything that contains it. "More fucked-up blues from the carnival that is Tom Waits's mind." - Michael Cooper
Trashcan Sinatras
Weightlifting
Another long lost pop group re-emerges with an outrageously beautiful, haunting new album. Like they never left. - Bradley
Twilight Singers
She Loves You
If you've ever witnessed a live performance of any of Greg Dulli's many band incarnations, you'd know that a covers record was inevitable. Songs by Hope Sandoval, Billie Holiday, Fleetwood Mac, Marvin Gaye and many others are dutifully Dulli-fied in his distinctive drenched-in-booze-n-cigarettes sound. "She Loves You" features brilliant guitar playing from Jon Skibic (Gigolo Aunts/Julianna Hatfield) and guest vocal contribution from Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees/Queens of the Stone Age)! - Mary Patton
Ulrich Schnauss
A Strangely Isolated Place
A beautiful sonic collage of guitar, synth, and ultra-dense production. A dreamy cinematic soundscape that is quite addictive. - Lindsey R. Green Celestial sunrise lullabies for when it's really cold and really early. I call it "glacier breaks." - Brett Sweat
The Virgin Prunes
re-issues
The best death rock/noisy/dance fun good time band ever. Finally all of this stuff is back in print and we even get pretty new artwork and bonus songs! - Inez
Reissues include extra tracks and/or alternate album versions.
Warren Haynes
Live at Bonnaroo
Never has there been a man so incapable of writing a happy song, yet these songs reach deep into your soul, root around, and pull out the truth. Much as I enjoy his Gov't Mule records, the starkness of alone and acoustic fits the depth of his words so well. A must-have record. - Jon Terry
William Shatner
Has Been
Ben Folds serves as the musical director on the Shatner music cruise - providing a melodic, varied pop foundation for the sometimes-smarmy, yet always earnest spoken word pieces. Joe Jackson, Aimee Mann, Henry Rollins, Brad Paisley, and Adrian Belew lend their talents too.
Wire
On The Box (CD/DVD)
The greatest of British post-punk bands live in living color on German TV at their absolute peak. All the best Chairs Missing tracks, plus early versions of songs from what would become 154. Worth it for the snotty interview footage. - Robert Edwin Haines
Wolf Eyes
Burned Mind
heavy death gargle on sub-pop. but don't let the sub-pop thing scare you away. - phil blankenship
Listening to this album is like boiling oil over a scorching fire. And they're the best band I've seen this year without a doubt. - Joshua Jeffords
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