|
Basement Discs Recommend...
| ROBERT
PLANT - 'Band of Joy' |
 |
Following
2007's 6 time Grammy winning 'RAISING SAND', Mr.
Plant again plunges into the Americana pool with fabulous
results! Co-produced by BUDDY MILLER & also
feat. multi-instrumentalist DARRELL SCOTT, and
PATTY GRIFFIN on vocals...you get the gist…no
need to say anymore, we'd reckon! |
| JUSTIN
TOWNES EARLE - 'Harlem River Blues' |
 |
The
incredibly talented Justin has just released his 3rd full
length album, and it is another songwriting triumph! 2008's
'The Good Life' & 2009's 'Midnight at The
Movies' garnered rave reviews & many awards &
this one is set to do likewise. As Woody Guthrie (one
of Justin's heroes) once said "Any fool can make
something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple".
|
| On
this one, Justin chose the simple route. It's not a "wall
of sound" produced to the rafters....it's rockin'
& reelin' at times, sweet & slow at others....quite
simply...GREAT! |
|
MAVIS STAPLES
- 'You Are Not Alone'
Prod. by WILCO's
Jeff Tweedy, Mavis' new CD mixes trad. gospel tunes,
2 new songs written for her by Tweedy, plus her unique
interpretations of songs by Pops Staples, Randy Newman,
Allen Toussaint, John Fogerty etc. A woman of enormous
talent & sublime musical tastes!
|
 |
| MILES
DAVIS - 'Bitches Brew' - Legacy & Deluxe Editions |
To mark
the 40th Anniv. of the release of this iconic album -
*The Legacy Edition* will include
6 bonus tracks, plus a DVD of a prev. unavailable live
perf. in Copenhagen '69. *The Deluxe Edition* also includes
a 5,000 word booklet, a 180gram vinyl pressing, memorabilia,
& a 3rd CD feat. the unreleased concert from Tanglewood
USA in 1970.
|
 |
| DAVID
BOWIE - 'Station to Station' |
 |
Special
& Deluxe Editions
*Special Edition
*offers a new transfer from orig. stereo analogue
master & adds 2CD's recorded live in N.Y. in '76.
*TheDelux Eedition* feat. the '85 mix & a
bonus CD, a DVD, plus Vinyl (the studio & live albums),
& a 24 page book, etc.etc.!!
|
| DVD:
OIL CITY CONFIDENTIAL |
 |
Recently
screened at the Melbourne Film Festival, this film directed
by Julien Temple (following on from previous docos about
Joe Strummer, Sex Pistols and more) follows the story
of DR. FEELGOOD, one of the toughest bands of the
early 70's pub rock scene in England. As well as a document
of the place and times, the film chronicles the group's
wild R&B influenced rock'n'roll sound through interviews
with remaining members and incendiary live footage of
the band at their peak (soundtrack also available). |
| VAN
WALKER - 'Bush League Bard' |
| Van's
fourth album in eighteen months is quite possibly his
finest to date. Recorded by Chris Altmann in Mick Thomas'
back shed, BUSH LEAGUE BARD is storytelling at
its most compelling. the lush acoustic instrumentation
beautifully supports Van as he walks us through the full
range of emotions drawing on both his own experiences
and limitless imagination. |
 |
| LOST
IN THE TREES - 'All Alone In An Empty House' |
 |
The
debut full-length album from this American folk collective
swings between accoustic driven ballads and full-blown
orchestral soundscapes, effortlessly meshing countless
influences and styles into a very unique, haunting experience.
Should appeal to fans of Sufjan Stevens, Joanna Newsom
etc. |
| BOMBAZINE
BLACK - 'Motion Picture' |
 |
Motion Picture
is the second album from Melbourne-based instrumental
band Bombazine Black, created by Gersey founding member
Matt Davis. Organic, melodic and, indeed, cinematic,
Motion Picture takes the listener on a journey through
a range of unfamiliar scenes and settings.
|
| Featuring
members of Gersey, Art of Fighting, Monroe Mustang and
actress Jayne Tuttle on piano/keyboards as well as guest
Eugene Ball (Alan Browne Quartet, Andrea Keller Quintet
etc) on trumpet, Bombazine Black will be launching Motion
Picture at The Toff In Town on Thursday September 23. |
| DAVE
GRANEY & THE LURID YELLOW MIST - 'Supermodified' |
Dave
Graney's latest release features four tracks from 2001's
Heroic Blues, ten from 2003's The Brother Who
Lived and four previously unreleased tracks that have
all been retooled and refuelled to ensure maximum torque.
Rest assured, Supermodified is no lame remix repackage.
|
 |
This is the real deal! The heavy, heavy street beat laid
down by Dave and The Lurid Yellow Mist is hypnotically
good and guaranteed to have you and yours swaggering all
the way to Summer.
A Basement Discs lunchtime gig in October is being lined
up for a Supermodified launch - keep your calendars clear,
you wont want to miss it! |
| K.C.
McKANZIE - 'Dryland' |
 |
One
of the hottest emerging artists on the European &
British folk scenes, Berlin born & bred, K.C.'s sound
is a beguiling mix of 60's/70's English folk, old-time
bluegrass & contemp. Americana. Her voice is pure
& wistful and floats over her ballads of love, loss,
tragedy & redemption. For fans of Emmylou, Sandy Denny,
Gillian Welch et al! |
| LOS
LOBOS - 'Tin Can Trust' |
| It's
been 4 years since we've had a brand new album from Los
Lobos...but it's been worth the wait...this one's a corker!
Highlights include the opening track feat. SUSAN TEDESCHI
on harmony vocals, along with the 2 Spanish language numbers....displaying
their signature seamless infusion of Mexican folk songs
into rock music. |
 |
| 'LONG
GONE WHISTLE: THE SONGS OF MAURICE FRAWLEY' V/A |
 |
Great
songs live forever & MAURICE FRAWLEY left scores
behind when he departed this world after a short fight
with cancer in May 2009. An all star cast pays tribute
to Maurice's songs includ. PAUL KELLY, TEX PERKINS,
TIM ROGERS, MICK THOMAS, DON WALKER ...along with
some truly inspired duets from CLARE BOWDITCH &
HENRY WAGONS, TIM ROGERS & BILLY MILLER, KASEY CHAMBERS
& SHANE NICHOLSON & much more. |
| LLOYD
MILLER & THE HELIOCENTRICS - Self-titled |
 |
A freeform
mix of Eastern arrangements, jazz & angular psychedelics,
combined with multi-instrumentalist Lloyd Miller, this
represents The Heliocentrics most accomplished work to
date. |
| ROSS
WILSON - 'I Come In Peace' |
| New
album of all new material from this Aussie rock'n'roll
icon. Ross' formidable career is going from strength to
strength in recent times as he rides the wave of adulation
prompted by the hugely successful '5 Decades of Cool'
shows he performed around the Country last year. He'll
be touring nationally from July through to Oct so make
sure you grab a copy of this CD, get to know the new songs,
& get along to a show near you! |
 |
| EELS
- 'Tomorrow Morning' |
 |
TOMORROW
MORNING brings to a close the trilogy of albums that
started with 2009's HOMBRE LOBO and 2010's END
TIMES, with a decidedly lighter mood than its predecessors.
Eels mainman Mark "E" Everett emerges from the
downbeat atmosphere of the previous two albums to a renewed
optimism, lyrically and sonically, this time round experimenting
with electronic keyboards, drum machines, tape loops and
found sounds. |
| ISOBEL
CAMPBELL & MARK LANEGAN - 'Hawk' |
 |
Album
number three from the inspired pairing of Isobell Campbell
and Mark Lanegan sees the two continue their dusty trip
through country, folk & blues. Though comparisons
to Lee Hazelwood & Nancy Sinatra are obvious, these
two have a chemistry and a swagger all their own. Among
their darkly beautiful originals, they include two stellar
Townes Van Zandt covers, "No Place To Fall"
and "Snake Song". |
| GEMMA
RAY - 'It's A Shame About Gemma Ray' |
| It's
A Shame About Gemma Ray is a stripped down sound that's
almost spooky in its intimacy, with little more than slide
guitar (courtesy of Heavy Trash's Matt Verta-Ray) and
kick-drum forming the bedrock of each song. The songs
themselves are an eclectic range of covers from Buddy
Holly, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald and The Cookies to
The Gun Club, Gallon Drunk and Mudhoney/Sonic Youth. |
 |
| In a
limited offer, initial copies of It's A Shame About
Gemma Ray come with a bonus disc of Gemma's previous
disc, Lights Out Zoltar! |
| DOM
MARIANI - 'Rewind & Play' |
 |
The
latest in the Acoustic Blue series finds Dom Mariani cherry
picking his stellar catalogue of classic songs from The
Stems, The Someloves, DM3 and beyond. Stripping away the
driving guitar, bass and drums to allow the melodies to
bathe in a warm semi-acoustic glow, Dom delivers a collection
of timeless melancholy pop gems. |
| LILITH
LANE - 'Gold Diamond' |
 |
Another
of our immensely talented female singer/songwriters, Lilith
has just released her gloriously lush 2nd album which
is already getting rave reviews & rapturous responses
from RRR & PBS presenters. Recorded
with a crack session band includ. PETER LUSCOMBE
on drums, BILL McDONALD on bass, BIDDY CONNOR
& KATE CONNOR on viola & violin. |
| Lilith
looked after piano & some guitar & of course wrote
& arranged all of the songs. We're hoping to have
her do an In-store sometime soon....so keep checking our
website for more info. |
| CHUCK
PROPHET - 'Dreaming Waylon's Dreams' |
On this
his 6th solo album, Chuck displays his deep love &
respect for Waylon Jennings in recording a cover of his
No. 1 album 'Dreaming My Dreams' in it's entirety. Whilst
all covers, Chuck's phrasing & guitar work are all
over it...rocking out when it needs to & keeping it
quiet when required.
|
 |
| STEVE
MILLER BAND - 'Bingo!' |
His
first studio record in 17yrs, & the last recording
feat. the late NORTON BUFFALO, this album is thematically
a look back at the electric blues & R'n'B that influenced
him as a young man. Blues classics by B.B. King, Lowell
Fulsom, Howlin' Wolf, Jimmy Reed etc. along with 3 selections
from contemp. bluesman Jimmy Vaughan.
|
 |
A
stellar guitarist, tight arranger, & intuitive modern
producer, this set of 14 tunes actually extend the electric
blues tradition - paying tribute to his heroes & contemporaries
with a nod to his own history as a recording artist. A
welcome return for Steve Miller & a must have for
modern electric
blues fans! |
| SCHOOL
OF SEVEN BELLS - 'Disconnect From Desire' |
 |
The
follow-up to the Brooklyn trio's breakthrough debut 'Alpinisms'
- this new album consists of 10 tracks of soaring, visionary
dream-pop. It's a tremendous leap forward for the trio
musically, with a growth in all elements of their intricate
and multi-layered sound. You'll be hearing a lot of them
as they will be touring again later this year.
|
| CRAYON
ANGEL: JUDEE SILL TRIBUTE - Various Artists |
 |
Judee
Sill released 2 cherished cult LP's, 1971's s/titled album
& 73's 'Heart Food' before vanishing from the music
scene & eventually dying of a drug overdose in Nth.
Hollywood. Following the reissue of these 2 classic albums
in 2005 her wonderful music has enjoyed a period of rediscovery.
|
| This
tribute album also feat.2 prev. unrecorded Sill compositions
- BETH ORTON breathing life into 'Reach for the
Sky' & BILL CALLAHAN records the slow- burn
'Like a Rainbow'. Other guests include RON SEXSMITH
& a cast feat. the 'who's who' of the contemp. indie
music scene. *Another fabulous JUDEE SILL reissue
'Live In London' is avail. again, and as with her first
2 albums mentioned....all are absolute "must have's"
for any self-respecting music fan! |
| LITTLE
AXE - 'Bought for a Dollar Sold For a Dime' |
Little
Axe is Skip McDonald an American musician now based in
London - blending blues, gospel, reggae, dub & funk
with modern technology. He makes incredibly interesting
& innovative records taking the tone & feel of
old blues & putting a very contemporary stamp on it.
Backed by a collective from diverse musical backgrounds
(includ. Doug Wimbish & Keith LeBlank) this is another
very fine offering from an artist who
deserves much wider recognition than he currently enjoys!
|
 |
| DOVEMAN
- 'The Conformist' |
 |
Doveman
is Thomas Bartlett, a keyboardist who tours & records
with artists such as The National, Antony & The Johnsons,
Martha Wainwright & Bebel Gilberto to name a few.
On this new album he has enlisted the support & collaboration
of many of his musical colleagues....Norah Jones, Beth
Orton, Martha Wainwright, The National etc. contribute
wonderfully to "the mix". As with his previous
outings, this album retains a whisper quiet, night-time
feel whilst adding more upbeat undercurrents. |
| DIRTMUSIC
- 'BKO' |
 |
Dirtmusic
is a collaboration between 2 Americans (Chris Eckman and
Chris Brokaw), an Aussie (Hugo Race) and an all-star lineup
of African musicians, featuring Lobi Traore, Tamikrest
and members of Toumani Diabate's Symmetric Orchestra.
The result, which veers between western rock and soulful
desert blues, is a marriage between cultures and musical
styles that works so beautifully you'll forget that such
barriers exist. Contains a great version of the Velvet's
"All Tomorrow's Parties" |
| NINA
NASTASIA- 'Outlaster' |
| Nastasia's
previous two albums proved her worth as an instensely
powerful and personal song writer, and she continues the
high standards on "Outlaster". Where in the
past her recordings have been mostly sparse, intimate
experiences, based around Nastasia's voice and accoustic
guitar, Producer Steve Albini (Pixies, P.J Harvey) has
enlisted an orchestra to flesh out the beautifully unique
songs. For fans of Jolie Holland, Laura Marling, etc. |
 |
| DAVE
MATTHEWS BAND - 'Europe 2009' (3CD + DVD + BOOK) |
 |
This
extremely limited, deluxe presentation captures the Dave
Matthews Band on their European tour of 09. Feat. 3CDs
recorded in Italy on June 5th 09 & a DVD filmed live
in London on June 25/26th. Along with a 56 page hardback
book this is an essential collector's item for any Dave
Matthews fans....and there are a lot of you out there! |
| BETTYE
LaVETTE - 'Interpretations: The British Rock S/Book' |
| Bettye
brings the British invasion home to it's American R'n'B
roots on this incredible 13 song journey through compositions
by The Beatles, The Stones, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd,
The Who, Moody Blues, etc. Bettye is a fearless &
emotionally charged vocalist who truly makes a song her
own. This one follows her Grammy nominated album of 2007,
'The Scene of the Crime'. |
 |
| CROOKED
STILL - 'Some Strange Country' |
 |
Their
3rd release on the esteemed SIGNATURE label (the
home of Eilen Jewell), this one expands on this young
bands unique blend of Appalachian-based string band styles
combined with chamber music strings & pop sensiblility,
all supporting Aoife O'Donovan's superb, sultry &
sometimes spooky, vocals. All 4 members are supremely
talented musicians...of the Nickel Creek/Old Crow Medicine
Show ilk |
| THE
GIN CLUB - 'Deathwish' |
 |
Over
the past 5 yrs. The Gin Club have established themselves
as one of Australia's most exciting bands, continually
evolving from the trad. folk/country of their self-titled
debut. With a 7 person song writing roster, they have
developed a unique & distinctive style containing
elements of acoustic folk, wide screen rock'n'roll, psychedelic,
country, pop & more. |
|
DVD - THE ROLLING
STONES
'Stones in Exile'
This officially
sanctioned release, tells the story in the bands own
words & through extensive archive footage of their
time spent in France as tax exiles & the recording
of the band's masterpiece of '71, 'Exile On Main Street'.
Timed to correspond with the newly remastered &
expanded edition of this major album on 2CD set (which
is also avail. as Super Deluxe VERY limited ed. feat.
2CD + DVD + 2LP + 92 page hardback book).
|
 |
| KRIS
KRISTOFFERSON - 'Please Don't Tell Me How The Story Ends:
The Publishing Demos 1968 - 72' |
 |
For
the past five years, Light In The Attic
(faithful compilers of Karen Dalton, Serge Gainsbourg,
Betty Davis, The Monks etc) has embarked on a dream project
- working with the blessing of the legendary Kris Kristofferson
to compile a selection of his publishing demos from the
late '60s and early '70s. All the tracks on this wonderful
compilation are previously unreleased. |
| The
16 track album is accompanied by a 60 page colour booklet
featuring track-by-track notes from Kris and liner notes
by Merle Haggard and Dennis Hopper. |
| PHOSPHORESCENT
-' Here's To Taking It Easy' |
 |
The
follow-up to 2009's To Willie, finds the Brooklyn band
(led by stellar lyricist/vocalist Matthew Houck) evoking
the maverick spirits of renegade trailblazers like Willie
Nelson, Neil Young and Gram Parsons. Far from slavishly
copying their illustrious forefathers, Here's To Taking
It Easy has an individual sound that stands comparison
with recent achievements by Cat Power, Bonnie 'Prince'
Billy and My Morning Jacket. |
| KAREN
ELSON - 'The Ghost Who Walks' |
| Fans
of Blanche, Mazzy Star and Nancy & Lee, would be well
advised to investigate the Gothic country-pop of supermodel
Karen Elson. With a band featuring Jack White on drums,
Jack Lawrence on bass and Jackson Smith on guitar, piano/accordion
player (and frequent Rufus Wainwright collaborator) Rachelle
Garniez and My Morning Jacket's multi-instrumentalist
Carl Broemel, this is dreamy, dark and dramatic stuff. |
 |
| VARIOUS
ARTISTS - 'Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows: Songs of
John Prine' |
 |
A veteran
of the country-folk world, John Prine has dipped his toe
into many musical styles over the years while maintaining
consistently high levels of quality songwriting. This
CD features twelve classic songs from his songbook, featuring
the likes of Old Crow Medicine Show, Drive-By Truckers,
My Morning Jacket, Justin Townes Earle and more. |
| KEITH
JARRETT / CHARLIE HADEN - 'Jasmine' |
 |
The
first new studio album from pianist Keith Jarrett in over
a decade sees him reunite with bassist Charlie Haden.
Although mostly a collection of familiar standards, the
two players interact spontaneously and intuitively to
deliver a truly unique take on some well-loved tunes |
| VARIOUS
ARTISTS - 'Let Me Tell You About The Blues: Atlanta' |
 |
Following
on from similar compilations focusing on Chicago &
Memphis, this 3CD collection tracks the evolution of blues
music in Atlanta, Georgia. A fair mix of the recognizable
and the more obscure artists who lived in or visited Atlanta,
with tracks from Blind Lemon Jefferson, Ed Andrews &
Blind Willie McTell among others |
| KIM
CHURCHILL - 'With Sword & Shield' |
 |
A
5-Star Festival discovery and a guitar technician on the
brink of international acclaim, Kim blew away audiences
at the recent Port Fairy and Byron Bay Blues Festivals.
He will be back in Melbourne for a "stand alone"
show at NORTHCOTE SOCIAL CLUB on June 17th 2010. |
| JACKSON
BROWNE & DAVID LINDLEY - 'Love Is Strange' |
 |
Prior
to their 2010 tour, the last time these two played live
dates together was a 2006 run of concerts in Spain feat.
celebrated Spanish percussionist Tino di Geraldo. This
2CD set is a selection of recordings & performances
from that tour.
|
THE
BLACK KEYS - 'Brothers'
On this their 6th full-length album, they've made
the album they always wanted to make. Apart from 2 covers,
the remaining originals were mainly recorded at the legendary
Muscle Shoals Studios. |
 |
 |
JAKOB DYLAN
- 'Women + Country'
Only his 2nd solo album, this beautifully subtle
& cinematic outing produced by T-BONE BURNETT
also feat. fine contrib. from NEKO CASE & KELLY
HOGAN, along with wonderful guitar work from MARC
RIBOT.
|
| With
a tight clean writing style, the layered arrangements
of the songs unveil themselves & reward repeated listens.
We love it! |
| NATALIE
MERCHANT - 'Leave Your Sleep' |
 |
The
ex leader of the fab. 10,000 Maniacs has been making incredibly
interesting & enjoyable albums as a solo artist. Whilst
it's been a "long time between drinks" this
album is a glorious follow up to her superb 2003 release
'The House Carpenter's Daughter'. |
| Where
that album was rooted in American & British Isles
folk traditions & a mix of originals & covers,
this new album marries poems & lullabies of 19th &
20th century British & American writers with her original
music from various traditions. Extraordinary! (Avail.
as single & 2CD set) |
| DVD
- TOM PETTY - 'Damn the Torpedoes' (Classic Album DVD)
The album has certainly
stood the test of time as one of the great American
rock albums of its era. Feat. new & archived material
from Tom & band members, the DVD has 40 additional
minutes of material that will not be televised as part
of this on air series.
|
 |
| ROLLING
STONES - 'Exile On Main St' |
 |
Widely
regarded as their finest moment, the Stones' 1972 masterpiece
gets the deluxe treatment. An ecstatic blend of R&B,
Country, Soul and Blues made this a high point in the
Stones career, and a yardstick for legions of rock bands
that followed. Remastered and re-packaged, it will be
available in 4 different formats; Single CD, 2CD (with
10 previously unheard tracks from the |
| original
Exile sessions, and alternate versions of classics "Loving
Cup" and "Soul Survivor"), Double LP, or
the Superdeluxe edition (2CD, DVD, 2LP, and 92 page hardback
book) with an exclusive new documentary "Stones In
Exile". It's the reissue that Stones fans have been
waiting for, and an essential part of any music lover's
collection. |
| ROKY
ERICKSON with OKKERVIL RIVER - 'True Love Cast Out All
Evil' |
 |
On
his first album in 15 years, 13th Floor Elevators frontman
Roky Erickson teams up with younger Texan rockers Okkervil
River, to deliver one of the singer's most personal, moving
and haunting releases in his long and varied career. Okkervil
River's Will Sheff, acting as producer on the album, has
selected a number of Erickson's songs that deal with the
singer's life, music, and demons. |
| The
band interpret Roky's songs with sensitivity to their
subject matter, but it's not without their own distinctly
brash psych-folk sound. Roky's in fine voice, too, in
a welcome comeback. |
| VARIOUS
ARTISTS - NEXT STOP... SOWETO VOL 2 |
 |
The
latest release on the Strut label, compiling the finest
of underground South African music during the late '60s
and '70s. When international forms of music were discouraged
by the South African authorities during the 1960s, township
jive or "Mbaqanga" arose as artists combined
close harmony singing and traditional African styles with
a bouncy township beat. The result is this wild mix of
R&B, Soul, Funk & Psyche |
| FLYING
LOTUS - 'Cosmogramma' |
| Flying
Lotus (Steven Ellison) follows up 2008's acclaimed Los
Angeles with a collection of performances that defy simple
categorisation. Gathering elements of laptop composition,
future beats, surrealist hip hop,live instrumental collaborations,
dubstep and space jazz, Cosmogramma is the sound of fusion's
future. Featured collaborators on Cosmogramma include
Radiohead's Thom Yorke and saxophonist Ravi Coltrane. |
 |
| THE
NATIONAL - 'High Velvet' |
| Inspired
by their curating of the acclaimed Dark Was The Night
compilation, Brooklyn's The National deliver a set of
songs that are, by turns, broodingly evocative and explosive.
Featuring guest appearances from Justin Vernon (Bon Iver),
Sufjan Stevens and members of Arcade Fire, High Velvet
is an album that provides richer rewards with each listen,
yet stands as The National's most immediate work yet. |
 |
| MAGNOLIA
- 'This is…' |
| Sitting
somewhere between jazz and soundtrack composition, the
extraordinary ensemble performances of Ben Edgar (guitars,
lap steel), Daniel Farrugia (drums, percussion), Leonard
Grigoryan (guitars, harmonica), Luke Howard (piano, keyboards),
Ross Irwin (flugelhorn) and Ryan Monro (bass) will find
favour with fans of Brian Eno, David Sylvian, Bill Frisell,
Pat Metheny and Daniel Lanois. Very highly recommended! |
 |
| SOLOMON
BURKE - 'Nothing's Impossible' |
 |
Solomon
delivers a dozen tracks of timeless soul magic... despite
celebrating his 70th year...his voice is in full-strength.
This project with legendary Hi Records producer WILLIE
MITCHELL at the helm (sadly, Willie passed away on
5/1/2010) features tight horns, rock solid kick drums,
mellow bass, country guitar fills, & the sweetest
most tasteful string arrangements that work beautifully
to truly enhance these amazing songs. Destined to be another
classic from this extraordinary man! |
| PATTY
LARKIN - '25' |
| Celebrating
her 25th anniv. as a recording artist...this double set
feat. 25 songs with 25 friends guesting/duetting with
Patty...includ. Rosanne Cash, Suzanne Vega, Chris Smither,
Bruce Cockburn, Greg Brown, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Shawn
Colvin, Martin Sexton etc.etc....the calibre of her friends
gives you an indication of her talent both as an exceptional
guitarist, richly textural vocalist, & commanding
& poetic songwriter. Definitely check out this amazing
artist! |
 |
| JOEL
RAFAEL - 'Songs of Woody Guthrie V.1 & 2' |
 |
Joel
has been a featured performer at the annual Woody Guthrie
Folk Fest. since it's inception 12yrs ago. This double
set (on Jackson Browne's indie label) contain 24 of Woody's
compositions includ. 5 prev. unpublished sets of lyrics
to which Joel has composed the music. The lyrics were
given to him by Nora Guthrie, Woody's daughter, who administrates
the use of Woody's written & illustrated works...which
she quite rightly guards protectively. Guests include
Jackson Browne, Arlo Guthrie, Jennifer Warnes & Van
Dyke Parks. |
| JON
SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION -'Dirty Shirt Rock n' Roll: The
First Ten Years' |
 |
Covering
the years 1992-2002, this is a great introduction to the
quintessential garage band. While the Blues Explosion
were hugely influential on bands to follow in the early
2000's "rock revival", they were also avid fans
of vintage blues, soul and rockabilly, as seen with their
later collaboration with R.L Burnside, or the song "Chicken
Dog" included here, featuring a duet with Rufus Thomas. |
| BONNIE
"PRINCE" BILLY & THE CAIRO GANG - 'The Wonder
Show Of The World' |
| One
of Will Oldham's more collaborative releases, this album
sees him give equal billing to his guitar sideman of the
last few years, resulting in a record that sees him in
a brighter mood, effortlessly mixing his dusty folk with
more upbeat band numbers. A relaxed, spontaneous feel
rides through the album, while Oldham's lyrics are, as
always, wistful and piercing with equal measure. |
 |
| VARIOUS
ARTISTS - 'Brazilian Guitar: Fuzz Bananas' |
| If you
like the "Nuggets" compilations, be prepared
for everything you thought you knew about wild psychedelic
music to be thrown out the window. The cultural crossover
works a treat, young Brazilians trying to be The Rolling
Stones but unable to hide their Tropicalia tendencies.
Lovingly compiled by a Brazilian collector, you'll get
to meet artists like Serguei (known as the Brazilian Iggy
Pop) and hear songs like "The Imaginary Sound of
Jimmi Hendrix". Loco! |
 |
| LONELADY
- 'Nerve Up' |
 |
Despite
the overt echoes of Joy Division, Young Marble Giants,
early REM and Cocteau Twins, it is the combination of
Julie Campbell's tensile vocal with her stark yet evocative
words and urgent guitar accompaniement that lifts Nerve
Up above and beyond the realm of competent revivalism.
Instead, this is original, darkly romantic, urban music. |
| MOSE
ALLISON - 'The Way of the World' |
 |
Produced
by the inimitable JOE HENRY, this marks Mose's
return to the recording studio after a 12 yr. absence.
As is usual, Joe has brought out the very best in his
"subject", with Mose playing & writing with
a new looseness, a playfulness & verve that belies
his years, with a canny blend of easy swing & lyrical
incision.
A welcome return from this iconic artist! |
| SHARON
JONES - 'I Learned the Hard Way' |
| As with
her previous 3 albums, this record drips with a warmth
& spontaneity rarely found since the golden days of
Muscle Shoals & Stax. Sharon's raw power, rhythmic
swagger, soulfulness & melodic command set her right
up there with the best. |
 |
| DRIVE
BY TRUCKERS - 'The Big To-Do' |
 |
Newly
signed to ATO Records, the Truckers deliver their
10th album in their 13 yr. career. According to leader,
Patterson Hood, this new one is "very melodic &
more rockin' than anything they've done since Disc 2 of
Southern Rock Opera". |
| JASON
ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT - 'Self Titled' |
 |
Killer
new album from the former DRIVE BY TRUCKERS singer/songwriter/guitarist.
Touring Australia for the first time in April supporting
JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE along with playing headline
shows around the Country & BYRON BLUESFEST.
Jason's album is a mix of rock, country & soul...great
stuff! Oz release feat. 4 bonus tracks. |
| LIVE
AT KNEBWORTH - V/A (2CD) |
| Held
in the grounds of Knebworth House on 30/6/1990 this concert
was staged to raise funds for Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy
& the Brit School for Perf. Arts & was subsequently
hailed as "the best British rock concert of all time".
The amazing line-up includ. CLAPTON, PINK FLOYD, PAUL
McCARTNEY, GENESIS & PHIL COLLINS, ROBERT PLANT, DIRE
STRAITS, etc.etc. & all artists performed for
free in order to support the charity. |
 |
| This
20th anniv. re-issue will continue to raise funds so that
this charity can continue their invaluable work. |
| VARIOUS
ARTISTS - 'We Are Only Riders - The Jeffrey Lee Pierce
Sessions Project' |
|
A
collection of songs that were left unrecorded by the late
singer/songwriter of US punk-blues-psychobilly band The
Gun Club, rediscovered and reworked by a cast of artists
that were all influenced by his music. Nick Cave, Debbie
Harry and Mark Lanegan among others bring together their
unique styles to pay a moving and moody tribute to a real
original. |
| GOD |
 |
Finally,
a CD release of just about everything recorded by Melbourne's
"Legendary 80's Smutty Teen Rockers". Their
two albums "Rock Is Hell" and "For Lovers
Only" are included here, as well as their last ever
live performance, a blistering set from the Central Club
in 1989. An essential piece of Aussie underground rock,
and proof that there was much more to this band than the
anthemic single "My Pal". |
| EDDY
CURRENT SUPPRESSION RING - 'Rush To Relax' |
 |
With
their third album, the rising stars of Melbourne's garage
scene continue along their less-is-more line to bring
us "Rush To Relax", recorded in one session
at a local rehearsal studio. Eddy Current Suppression
Ring's strength lies in their knack of sounding their
most exciting and vital when there's not too much thought
(or rehearsal) put into things. 2-chord bliss! |
| MISTA
SAVONA - 'Warn The Nation' |
 |
Melbourne's
Mista Savona returns with a dazzling new dancehall and
reggae release. Warn The Nation is a collaboration
between Australian musicians and Jamaican vocalists including
Capleton, Sizzla, Horace Andy, Prince Alla and the final
recording of The Godfather of Rocksteady, Alton Ellis.
This is a must have for any reggae/dancehall fan. |
| MICAH
P. HINSON - 'All Dressed Up And Smelling Of Strangers' |
 |
Texan
troubadour Michah P. Hinson surfaces with an all new double
album consisting entirely of covers. Disc One features
"quieter, calmer songs" from the likes of Bob
Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Frank Sinatra. Disc Two is "louder
and fuller" with tunes from Patsy Cline, Elvis and
Buddy Holly among others. This is gritty country-noir
delivered with a distinct Texan purr. |
| CHAD'S
TREE - 'Crossing Off The Miles' |
 |
For
the first time on CD, the collected recordings (and a
wealth of demos and live tracks) of Chad's Tree, the band
that introduced two of Australia's finest singers and
songwriters, Mark and Rob Snarski. Crossing Off The
Miles comes with a fantastic 32 page booklet filled
with rare photographs and reminisces from the voices that
went on to lead The Jackson Code and The Blackeyed Susans.
Fans of The Triffids, The Bad Seeds, Tom Waits and Tindersticks
should make room in their hearts for this long awaited
collection. |
 |
CRAZY
HEART - Orig. Soundtrack - V/A
The film stars JEFF BRIDGES (who also performs
5 of the s/track's songs) as a broken-down, hard-living
country music singer & MAGGIE GYLLENHAAL as
a journalist & saviour... the soundtrack is produced
by the
incredible T BONE BURNETT (amongst his many credits,
he produced the fab soundtracks for |
| O
BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? and WALK THE LINE)
& includes orig. material co-written & performed
with Ryan Bingham, Buddy Miller, Stephen Bruton &
Bob Neuwirth, along with a superb selection of tracks
by artists such as Lucinda, Townes, George Jones, Kitty
Wells, Buck Owens & The Louvin Bros...etc. Initial
release will include deluxe packaging & 6 extra tracks.
|
|
WOMADELAIDE
2010
Sounds of the Planet - V/A
The official compil. for this incredible Festival now
celebrating it's 18th year (Frid 5-Mon 8th March at
Botanic Park in Adelaide). Providing
a snapshot of the amazing diversity this Festival embraces,
the 14 artists feat. on this comp. take listeners through
a bold cross-section of genres,
|
 |
cultures,
nationalities & generations. If you've not been to
WOMADELAIDE...give this a listen & book your air-fares
& tickets NOW!!
It's an experience that will truly enrich your life...we
promise!!
**And yes, we have weekend tickets on sale again this
year. |
 |
BELA
FLECK, ZAKIE HUSSAIN & EDGAR MEYER - The Melody of
Rhythm
A unique
collaboration between banjo virtuoso BELA FLECK, legendary
composer & double bass master EDGAR MEYER, and arguably
the world's
greatest tabla player, ZAKIR HUSSAIN. Bela is to the banjo
what Ry is to guitar, in terms of the incredible interest
in collaboration with |
| musicians
from other cultural & genre backgrounds...with great
results! This is a riveting & unique album that mixes
elements of traditional Indian, classical & American
roots music into a very special "blend" indeed! |
|
THE UNTHANKS
'Here's
the Tender Coming'
Geordie
folk "inventors" Rachel Unthank & The
Winterset are back (now simply 'THE UNTHANKS') with
a revised line-up & brand new album. Forging links
between folk worlds old, new & other, their ability
to communicate what is essentially folk music steeped
in traditional style to contempory audiences, is in
no short part due
|
 |
| to
Rachel & Becky Unthank's incredible vocal harmonies
& supremely charming, funny & self-effacing stage
presence. Exquisite stuff! |
| JOHN
HIATT - 'The Open Road' |
 |
A
rockin', rollicking collection of songs inspired by the
ongoing experiences of "life on the road"...coming
from one of America's best
contemporary songwriters you can expect the usual high
standard of observation & story telling performed
with high energy & vigour - joined
by his regular touring band (Kenny Blevins on drums, Patrick
O'Hearn on bass & Doug Lancio on guitars)...it's another
"classic" in the making! |
| VAN
WALKER - 'Greetings From Penguin Tasmania' |
 |
We
loved his last offering "The Last Record Store",
and before the paint's had a chance to dry, Van is BACK
with a new bunch of songs. Recorded over 4 days (and,
according to Van, 8 flagons) in Tassie, this is a terrific
recording, where studio tricks and careful songwriting
never get in the way of spontanaeity and fun. |
| Van's
sense of humour and unique view of the world are at the
fore here. Get in quick, he's threatening to release another
album this year. |
| LOVE
- 'Love Lost' |
 |
Shelved
for nearly 40 years, these "lost" recordings
from the legendary psychedelic LA band Love are a revelation.
While the band splintered in the late 60's, frontman Arthur
Lee was still writing amazing songs. These songs jump
between solo acoustic numbers and fully-blown hard psychedelic
rock, with an obvious influence from Arthur Lee's recently
departed friend, Jimi Hendrix. Beautifully remastered
with great liner notes. |
| MIDLAKE
- 'The Courage Of Others' |
 |
With
their third full length album, Midlake have veered away
from the 70's-styled Americana that has been their signature
sound in the past, and headed more toward the direction
of British folk. for the most part the electric guitar
takes a backseat to acoustic guitar, flute, and shimmering
harmonies. The wistful lyrics and dreamy soundscapes will
appeal to fans of Fleet Foxes, Grandaddy or Grizzly Bear. |
| TINDERSTICKS
- 'Falling Down A Mountain' |
Melding
such diverse elements as spaghetti Western themes, symphonic
soul, lounge jazz and classic Gothic country, Tindersticks'
eighth album ranks with their very best work. With the
welcome return of early collaborator Terry Edwards on
trumpet, flugelhorn and saxophone; Falling Down A Mountain
is a collection with great appeal to appreciators of Lee
Hazelwood, Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave.
|
 |
| The
jewel in the crown is arguably "Peanuts", a
duet featuring Canadian chanteuse Mary Margaret O'Hara. |
| JOHNNY
CASH - 'American VI: Ain't No Grave' |
The
sixth and final release in Rick Rubin's American Recording
series of Johnny Cash albums, Ain't No Grave features
inimitable interpretations of songs by the likes of Sheryl
Crow, Kris Kristofferson, Tom Paxton Jack Rhodes and Bob
Nolan, as well as Cash's last recording of one of his
own compositions. A musical monument to one of the towering
artists of the Twentieth Century.
|
 |
| ERYKAH
BADU - 'New Amerykah, Part II: Return Of The Ankh' |
| More
dark funk from one of the world's most adventurous artists.
With production contributions from J Dilla and Madlib
amongst others, Return Of The Ankh is the sound of street
funk talkin' loud and saying somethin'. Now, how about
an Australian tour? |
 |
Download/View
Best of 2009 (pdf 108kb) |
