Latest release: 13 Dec 2024
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SORROW - 'SLEEP NOW FOREVER'
Formats
LSSN091 - 2xLPs
5061041820137LSSN091CD - CD
5061041820151
Details
*300 BLACK VINYL REPRESS* First time to be released on vinyl, this long out of print CD only album is remastered by Mikey Young for a deluxe 2LP version on Black Vinyl with an exclusive etching on SIDE 4 A total Underground classic. Sleep Now Forever is the second and final album released by Sorrow, the post-Strawberry Switchblade group fronted by singer Rose McDowall. Originally released in 1999 and long since deleted it is a cornucopia of pastoral, elegiac folk music, swirling atmospherics, hymnal compositions and above it all the alternating towering and fragile vocal performances of McDowall. Recorded in the late 90s with fellow band member and co-songwriter Robert Lee, Sleep Now Forever is the definitive statement by the now defunct group and Rose McDowall’s most complete long-form work to date. Released through the group’s own Piski Disk Records, Sleep Now Forever was distributed by World Serpent which struggled through the early 2000s with financial woes, eventually folding due to bankruptcy in 2004. Due to the company’s troubles, Sleep Now Forever was never distributed widely and was a victim of the company’s failure. Released on CD only, original copies are now rare and only traded on second hand channels. Remastered by Mikey Young for a limited vinyl release, Sleep Now Forever will be released on April 20th on double vinyl format, with one side an exclusive etching by Glasgow artist Holly Allan. Despite its rarity, Sleep Now Forever enjoys a firm cult following. The album’s textures are expansive, lush, deliciously detailed and celestial. Recorded in home study Velvet Hole by Rose McDowall and then-husband Robert Lee, the album enlists an array of players from the underground Neo-folk / industrial scene: Nigel McKernaghan (Uilleann pipes, Whistles), Susan Franknel (Bassoon), John Contreras (Cello) and Lawrence Frankel (Oboe, Cor Anglais). The eleven songs here revolve around McDowall’s instantly recognisable voice. Brought up singing in the Catholic Church, McDowall’s vocals are impeccable and angelic, particularly on tracks like Turn Off The Light where her experiences with religion are canted over soaring oboe and guitar backing. By far the most evolved and realised version of Sorrow’s vision, it feels somewhat criminal that music this beautiful could be lost to time until now. McDowall’s lyrics throughout Sleep Now Forever deal frankly with mental health, depression, altered states, death and redemption. Wave upon wave of harmony drench each song, McDowal’s vocal multi-tracked and imperious. Opener Soldier benefits from Robert Lee’s use of the studio as instrument, summoning forth a lilting group performance of sparkling guitar and percussion that recalls the Velvet Underground. Mikey Love’s master treats the compositions to brand new frequency dynamics and space. Harmonium and string drones form the counter to McDowall’s vocal on Love Dies, a slow, lurching lament that feels transcendent. On Haunting, the arrangement is orchestral and aching, bleeding into Fear Becomes You, with chord and harmony structure that recalls the baroque sixties pop of West Coast Pop Experimental Art Band or the 60s psychedelic folk movement. A towering, beautiful statement, this elegy for times lost and moonlit-illumination is finally resurfacing from the darkness.
Tracks
1. Soldier
2. Love Dies
3. Turn Off The Light
4. Haunting
5. Fear Becomes You
6. October Faul
7. Wishing Stone
8. Nomadic Man
9. Epiphany
10. Angel
11. Sleep Now Forever
Press
Audio & Video
OCS - 'LIVE AT PERMANENT RECORDS'
Formats
RIP120 - 2xLPs
657628449119
Details
*UK EXCLUSIVE - PLS SUBMIT FIGS BY SEP 14th* LTD CRYSTAL CLEAR VINYL W/ A LITTLE BLUE & RED During the holidays of 2023, Brigid Dawson and I got together at my house in Los Angeles and started transcribing a nice list of songs. Some new some very old that I've never been played live ever and put together a holiday set list which we performed two nights in a row at Permanent Records Roadhouse in Los Angeles and did a bit of it at a charity event at the Lodge Room. Seven tunings later... It was a lot of fun and there was a lot of libation and celebration. We surrounded ourselves with good friends and came up with this charming off kilter set of recordings. I think they capture the casual energy of the evening in the mood of the crowd. Hope you enjoy. - JPD
Tracks
1. Dreadful Heart 2. Golden Phones 3. Ship 4. Make Them Kiss 5. Devil's Last Breath 6. I Agree 7. Hounds 8. If II Had A Reason 9. Rescue 10. Burning Bridges 11. I Am Slow 12. What The Driven Drink 13. Memory Of A Cut Off Head 14. The Pool 15. Wait All Night 16. Crime On My Mind 17. Im Coming Home 18. Highland Wives Lament 19. Block Of Ice
Press
Audio & Video
JERRY GARCIA & DAVID GRISMAN - 'BARE BONES'
Formats
JGFRR1056 - 2xLPs
880882643515JGFRR1055 - 3xCDs
880882643423
Details
ROUND RECORDS IS PROUD TO REINTRODUCE THE RECORDINGS OF DAVID GRISMAN & JERRY GARCIA AT RETAIL WITH THE DEBUT OF BARE BONES, a collection of duo performances exploring the foundation of their beloved studio recordings. After over 30 years, Grisman has opened the Dawg Vault to curate a collection honoring the magic of their studio works. They are presented for the first time in their original unadorned state as part of a vinyl series and in its entirety as a 3-CD set. The 3-CD set contains the entire collection while the 2xLP set contains only Volume 1: Master Takes (disc 1 on the CD) Vol 2 & 3 will be released separately as 2xLP sets over the next year The 2xLP set will have a standard black vinyl and a limited edition purple vinyl exclusively for indie retail
Tracks
Disc One // Volume I - Master Takes
Originally recorded as duos which were later embellished with various instrumentation before released on Garcia/Grisman, Shady Grove, Been All Around This World, and Not For Kids Only
Tracklist:
1. Walkin? Boss
2. Dreadful Wind and Rain
3. I Truly Understand
4. I?m Troubled
5. When First Unto This Country
6. The Handsome Cabin Boy
7. Casey Jones
8. The Sweet Sunny South
9. Freight Train
10. Jenny Jenkins
11. A Horse Named Bill
12. Arkansas Traveler
13. Hot Corn, Cold Corn
14. The Miller?s Will
15. There Ain?t No Bugs on Me
16. Hopalong Peter
17. Three Men When A-Hunting
18. Whiskey In the Jar 19. Down In the Valley
Disc Two // Volume II - Other Tunes & Arrangements
Comprised of unreleased original recorded versions of tunes that became staples of the Garcia/Grisman repertoire and duo versions of other songs
Tracklist:
1. Bare Bones Prelude
2. Friend of the Devil
3. Grateful Dawg
4. The Sweet Sunny South
5. Take Me
6. Walkin? Boss
7. Dawg?s Waltz
8. Two Soldiers
9. Little Glass of Wine
10. Teddy Bear?s Picnic
11. Arabia
12. Crawdad Song
13. Man of Constant Sorrow
14. Moonlight Bay
15. Drink Up and Go Home
16. Shenandoah
Disc Three // Volume III - Alternate Takes
16 alternate takes of duo recordings that were released on Garcia/Grisman, Not For Kids Only, Shady Grove, and Volume II
Tracklist:
1. When First Unto This County 1
2. Walkin? Boss 1
3. Two Soldiers 2
4. Freight Train 1
5. The Sweet Sunny South 1
6. There Ain?t No Bugs on Me 1
7. Hot Corn, Cold Corn 1
8. The Miller?s Will 1
9. The Sweet Sunny South (Banjos) 1
10. Jenny Jenkins 2
11. Whiskey In the Jar 1
12. I?m Troubled 1
13. Hot Corn, Cold Corn 1
14. Walkin? Boss 3
15. There Ain?t No Bugs on Me 2
16. When First Unto This Country 2
Press
Audio & Video
BARBICAN ESTATE - 'BARBICAN CITY OF TOKYO'
Formats
FC56 - LP
Details
Last release of a productive year for Feral Child sees a fabulous mini LP from London based, Japanese Psych band BARBICAN ESTATE. Six beguiling tracks of atmospheric, occasionally acid folk flavoured, melodic > freakout shifts, taking in tips of the hat to Popol Vuh (check Miri’s beautiful vox on “Angel”), Amon Duul and fellow countrymen Acid Mothers Temple and Kikagaku Moyo amongst others. Formed in 2019, this three-piece consists of Kazuki Toneri (guitar, sitar), Miri (bass, flute, vocals), and Koh Hamada (drums, percussion). Each member is well-versed in music, film, and various other arts, drawing inspiration not only from experimental, psychedelic rock, and noise music but also from art across the world, both past and present. Their music weaves solid, architectural elements with destruction into a dark and gloomy soundscape, is often described as "dark psychedelic." They released their first album, “Way Down East”, in 2021. In 2022, they relocated to London, where they performed on UK tours and at festivals. Having already played nearly 50 live shows, they are gaining attention in the local scene. Their latest EP, "Viscum" was released in June 2024. “Barbican City of Tokyo” is a compilation of tunes previously consigned to digital release only that label head, Dom had free rein to assemble an EP from, which luckily the band wholeheartedly agreed upon! …and all four tracks appear on vinyl here for the first time. This release hopefully cements a growing interest in the band’s fabulous music, and early reviews of both the LP here and their live shows are overwhelmingly positive.
Tracks
1. Reconquista 2. Abandon 3. Angel 4. The Innocent One
Press
Audio & Video
STUFFED FOXES - 'STANDARDIZED'
Formats
SBR109 - LP (COLOURED)
Details
**LIMITED ADDITION COLOUR VINYL** Tours (France) -based post-psych and deep-shoegaze powerhouse Stuffed Foxes are set to release their third LP, Standardized, on December 6th, 2024, via Bristol’s Stolen Body Records and French labels Reverse Tapes and Figures Libres. Songs / Revolving and Songs / Motion Return, a discographic diptych released in 2022, established Stuffed Foxes as accomplished ambassadors of the French rock scene. True to its predecessors, Standardized was recorded live in the Rennes studio of producer and musician Thomas Poli (Laetitia Sheriff, Dominique A). Mastering was entrusted to Matt Colton (Spiritualized, Swans, Shame). Early on, the six members transformed their youthful camaraderie into an adventure, embracing communal living (sharing a leaky roof had to be an integral part of the ride) and diving into the underground with their label, Reverse Tapes, a source of endless exciting music. They also adopted a democratic approach to creation fueled by endless jams, with the sexted striving to compose together from the outset. It is from this collective spontaneity that the unique expression of their music is born: long, hypnotic tracks, swirling mists of noise, and moments of vocal urgency that should be experienced in person during their invariably cathartic and incendiary concerts. It is a band that strives to stay true to its ethos, its soul haunted but never enthralled by the ghosts of its musical ancestors and battered icons. Their influences create joyful chaos: the musical walls of noise of My Bloody Valentine, the No-Wave drones of Swans, the psychedelic vapours of Brian Jonestown Massacre and the Post-Shoegaze eclecticism of Six-By-Seven. Standardized opens with Biting the Dawn, a Noise elegy that builds with relentless intensity. Léo's recitative voice soars above a searing blend of saturated guitars and echo-drenched drums. Next, Merry Xmas unleashes sharp, incisive guitar riffs reminiscent of Gang of Four and Fugazi, only to surprise with a dramatic twist that builds to a breathtaking, soaring climax echoing the brilliance of Ride’s most epic moments. Rough Up emerges as a Velvet Underground-inspired ballad, built on two simple acoustic guitar chords and an organ, showcasing a more subdued and vulnerable side of the band. In contrast, Standardized plunges into a powerful trance, unleashing a massive, deliciously primal wall of saturation with raw, unfiltered intensity. With Standardized, Stuffed Foxes appear to have reached an aesthetic milestone, transcending the semantics of the genres that once defined them. They have ‘de-standardized’ their sound and embraced a sense of freedom, opening up to the possibilities of a wider creative spectrum. Stuffed Foxes - Pretend to Be a Dog (Gamelle) (Official Video)
Tracks
Press
Audio & Video
SIMON JOYNER - 'THE COWARDLY TRAVELLER PAYS HIS TOLL'
Formats
HOMELESS36 - LP
9343512009958
Details
“Pound for pound, Simon Joyner is my favorite lyricist of all time. He has shades of all the greats (Van Zandt, Cohen, Dylan) but exists in a space all his own…He truly is an American songwriting treasure.” - Conor Oberst REISSUED!!! Omaha, Nebraska native and singer/songwriter SIMON JOYNER has been writing about the dizzy and dark aspects of the human condition since 1992. The Cowardly Traveller Pays His Toll was originally released in 1994, on Sing, Eunuchs!, exclusively on vinyl, and marks the first major critical milestone in Joyner’s lauded career. John Peel famously played it in its entirety on his BBC radio program and Joyner’s underground cult status was solidified; in all of John Peel’s years in radio he had only played a record in its entirety three other times.
Tracks
1.747 2. Address 3. Montgomery 4. August (Die She Must) 5. Target 6. Josephine 7. Fallen Man 8. Javelin 9. Appendix 10. Cole Porter 11. Joy Division
Press
Audio & Video
MAMMOTH - 'S/T'
Formats
EZRDR179 - LP
767461096644
Details
MAMMOTH is a grabber right out of the gate, every step they take is unleashed with deadly economical precision. They may flash on Lynyrd Skynyrd and other vintage southern rock traditions but the brilliant way the vocals are recorded and the to-the-point interlocking guitar moves will fire up anybody into any sort of hard rock. They can rip it up with hot leads, probably jammed out on these songs at live shows but lucky us, they laid them down for all times here with the sort of thought out unified force and construction that screams hit radio. Loads of personality, accessible, produced and mixed with the clarity of classic rock that never loses it's perfectly deployed impact. The uncluttered arrangements leave plenty of space, crafted with the kind of balanced mojo in the mix where every detail adds to the whole. Down and dirty but also achieving a universal pop-friendly appeal! The Mammoth LP was recorded in 1981 at Relayer Studios in DeLand, Florida with the two guitars, bass and drums quartet line-up sounding like it could have been a decade earlier. Buzz Fetters on lead guitar, Bill Abell on rhythm guitar, Joey Costa on bass and Ron Herman on drums… with everybody contributing to the vocals. Rather than having a strong up front emotive singer the lead vocals here are multi-tracked and integrated into the songs with plenty of attitude but also a genre-transcending presence… you can imagine the vocal ambience working in punk, glam, even psychedelic contexts. Mammoth have a sound informed by roots music but it is really in the rear-view mirror the way they roll. The songwriting here is terrific, they have a way of saying things that comes off as sincere but not too serious. You get plenty of in-your-face hard rock action but also several melodic tracks that have a more reflective charm to round out the trip. AND… when you hear their brilliant ode to southern rock titled "Southern Sounds" I challenge you to find any song about the subject more delightful. These guys keep it real, whether they're being bad ass or vulnerable they express themselves with 100% genuine feeling as contagious and life affirming as it gets!