Mercenárias is an iconic band in the history of Brazilian punk and post-punk. They gained global recognition after being included in several compilations outside Brazil. Recommended for fans of The Slits, DNA, Malaria!, Kleenex, and Minutemen, the group stood out for their rebellious attitude, incisive lyrics, and raw sound that blended punk, post-punk, no wave and experimental elements. This is a compilation of rare tracks from 1983 to 1987, including ten amazing songs that didn't make it onto their two albums; there's also a great early live recording, as well as a "lost" studio session. It has been remastered from the original tapes and includes an insert with previously unseen photos and a short text by Edgard Scandurra. This is a collaboration release with the Brazilian label Nada Nada Discos. Born in the vibrant alternative scene of 1980s São Paulo, Mercenárias is an iconic band in the history of Brazilian punk and post-punk. Formed in 1982 by Sandra Coutinho (bass and vocals), Rosália Munhoz (vocals), Ana Machado (guitar), and Edgard Scandurra (drums), the group stood out for their rebellious attitude, incisive lyrics, and raw sound that blended punk, post-punk, no wave and experimental elements. Their debut album, Cadê as Armas? (1986), is considered one of the most important records in Brazilian music history.

Discover the groundbreaking sound of Los Texao, a legendary Peruvian rock band that helped shape the music scene in the 1970s. Their music fused the energy of psychedelic rock with Latin American influences, captivating audiences across their native Peru. Los Texao's psychedelic phase was marked by experimentation with new sounds and instruments. This release comprises their complete recordings, including all their singles and also covers of some of the most influential rock bands of the era, most of them previously unavailable on vinyl. Born in the culturally rich city of Arequipa, Los Texao's journey to stardom was paved with innovation, passion, and an undeniable connection to their roots. Formed in 1969, the band took their name from Arequipa's emblematic flower, the nasturtium, and made an immediate impact with their debut at a local band contest. Soon after, they recorded their first 45 RPM single, which included covers of tracks by Chilean group Los Beat 4. But it was in the early '70s when Los Texao truly found their voice. With a dynamic lineup, including the talented Fernando "Feño" Humbser and Juan Núñez on guitar, Víctor Dibán on vocals and bass, and Edgar "Chito" Manrique on drums, their musical evolution began to take shape. The addition of Julio Torres, a keyboardist and guitarist from the iconic bands Los Beatniks and Los Dig It, further elevated their sound. Los Texao's psychedelic phase was marked by experimentation with new sounds and instruments. They embraced the emerging trend of playing rock in English, despite the language barrier, and incorporated cutting-edge gear. With the help of the legendary Peruvian jazz musician Jaime Delgado Aparicio, they created hypnotic tracks like "Algún día" and "Nunca cambias," capturing the essence of '70s rock with swirling textures and atmospheric vibes. Los Texao quickly became a sensation in Peru, performing in cities like Puno, Moquegua, and Arica (Chile), and sharing stages with iconic bands like Los Shain's, Traffic Sound, and Telegraph Avenue. The band's wild live shows became the stuff of legend, with fans packing into intimate venues to experience the raw energy of their loud, unapologetic rock. In addition to their 45s, Los Texao also recorded covers of some of the most influential rock bands of the era, including Cream, Steppenwolf, and The Guess Who, showcasing their versatility and love for classic rock. Unfortunately, this session remained lost for years and some of these covers have never been available on vinyl before.

LP version. Louis Philippe and The Night Mail return with a new captivating record where the songs are once again faultless. Carrying on the journey away from the classic towards the unexpected with new synths and hand claps adding a sense of the abrupt and, with voices calling from the wings, a sense of play and a lack of fear. Philippe Auclair aka Louis Philippe, Anglo-French singer-songwriter extraordinaire, has been an admired fixture for the past four decades, from his beginnings as protagonist and house producer at Mike Alway's fabled él Records label through his forays into the Shibuya sound and collaborations with the likes of Bertrand Burgalat, XTC's Dave Gregory, High Llamas' Sean O'Hagan and Young Marble Giants' Stuart Moxham right up to his more recent adventures with The Night Mail -- a loose ensemble around bassist/sometime acid jazz artist/encyclopedian of sound Andy Lewis, ex-Death in Vegas guitarist/head of heads at Papernut Cambridge/legacy indie's favorite live and session drummer Ian Button and guitarist/Viennese pop ambassador to Canterbury Robert Rotifer. When Louis Philippe & The Night Mail met again at Rimshot Studio in rural Kent in the spring of 2023 to tackle album number two, the same extended line-up was assembled. Work on The Road to the Sea began with just four days' intense recording under Rimshot's oakwood eaves followed by extensive extra sessions in Andy Lewis' hideaway studio somewhere up in deepest Bassetlaw. As the core duo of obsessives, Lewis/Philippe immersed themselves in the material, adding voices, instruments and effects, interrupted only once by Robert Rotifer visiting to throw in a few more touches of Telecaster. Their mission was to fully realize the sonic and harmonic potential of songs as varied as the partly portentous, partly (deceptively) jaunty opener "The Road to Somewhere", the catchy, XTC-flavoured "Pictures of Anna", the breezy-yet-apocalyptic space age groove of "Where Did We Go Wrong" or the piano-led Francophone waltz of "Une maison sans toit". It all adds up to a colorful mix of delicate textures, subtly sculpted reverb, melodic mellotron madness, Wilsonesque layered vocal harmonies, and the sort of long lost, very English whimsy it would take an anglophile Frenchman to evoke. And yet, in its transparent spaciousness dotted with charming detail, The Road To The Sea also brings to mind the sound of Summer Dancing, Andy Lewis' acclaimed 2017 collaboration with the late, great Judy Dyble.

Two years after releasing the acclaimed Crash Recoil, Anthony Child aka Surgeon returns to Tresor with new LP, Shell~Wave. Retaining the minimal equipment list and studio-version-of-live-show-sets approach of the previous album in order to focus on the work itself, Shell~Wave is a deeply personal document of both where Surgeon is and has been, converging three decades of experience with a continued curiosity in the untested. From the complex, twisting track "Infinite Eye" to the caustic "Soul Fire," the eight tracks that make up the body of the album are single-take explorations of the vast, hard yet minimal techno "Child" is synonymous with. Neatly dividing the record in two, the emotional center of the record comes in the form of "Dying," a vibrating, beatless piece that with a mantra-like vocal loop steeped in reverberating effects. Further echoes of dub production appear throughout the record as tracks like "Divine Shadow," and "Empty Cloud" have an almost ever-present mist of reverberation, driven by the appearance of a new delay unit in the equipment list; while much of the philosophy of Crash Recoil's creation is present, the process and the instruments have changed as Child again switches up his approach to studio work. This insistence on trying novel techniques doesn't preclude returning to old ones, as this use of modern digital machines with live, hands-on takes that are as inspired by '60s producer Joe Meek and '70s reggae as they are by this year's synthesizer expos. This philosophy of 'time travel' is inherent to the music itself as the synchronized loops repeat while the delay and effects branch out, forming unique eddies; distinct quantum moments within the circular whole; the future leaking through the spaces between the sounds. All of the concepts on the album are perfectly communicated through the painting by Taiwanese artist Jazz Szu-Ying Chen which suggests the movement of water, sound waves, and the chitinous shells of sea creatures.

Salsa con charanga is really a feast for all salsa music lovers, a true jewel, which deserved much better when it originally came out in 1978. It comprises eight great, solid tracks; some, new interpretations from other albums in which Mike Guagenti participated with his handsome and captivating voice -- a crooner with a salsero soul -- that, at times, could remind listeners of the late Tito Rodríguez, and even Ray Ramos. It has developed a cult following, and finding a copy of the original could be quite expensive. Luckily, this officially licensed and restored edition will fill that void. In addition to being a great salsa album, has the distinction that was released on Orfeon, a Mexican record label, due to the diligent work of the extraordinary producer Bobby Marin, and which miraculously received air play when powerhouse Fania label and few others ruled radio in the salsa music world. "The Mike Guagenti album," as indicated by Marin, "is a compilation of recordings by other artists. Originally a salsa album, I brought in [Cuban] Pupi Legarreta (violin and flute) and [Panamanian] Mauricio Smith (flute) to give it a charanga sound." With the exception of the cut "Salsa con charanga," which is an instrumental, the rest feature vocals by Guagenti. Salsa con charanga has developed a cult following, and finding a copy of the original could be quite expensive. Luckily, this officially licensed and restored edition will fill that void.

Cuban Soul - 18 Kilates is Cassiano's third studio album, released in 1976, and stands as a milestone in Brazilian soul music. It combines Brazilian rhythms with classic American soul elements, creating a unique fusion. Cassiano's smooth, soulful vocal style and the album's larger-than-life arrangements, reminiscent of Tim Maia's sound, give it a rich, deep feel. The standout track, "Onda," is a relaxing anthem evoking beach vibes that has become a DJ's favorite in recent years and also made it into several compilations. Remastered from the original tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl. This release is part of a new reissue series that will include many other outstanding Brazilian classics like Evinha's Cartão Postal or Gerson King Combo. Influenced by artists like Otis Redding, Eddie Kendricks, Stevie Wonder, and others, it combines Brazilian rhythms with classic American soul elements, creating a unique fusion. The album features nine tracks, with "A Lua e Eu" becoming a major commercial hit and the theme song for the soap opera "O Grito". This album has earned cult status over the years, securing its place as one of the most coveted Brazilian records of all time. Once incredibly rare and expensive, it's now at the top of every serious collector's wishlist. After not being available outside of Brazil for years, it's finally been reissued -- don't miss your chance to own this legendary piece of music history.

Na Rua, na Chuva, na Fazenda is a landmark 1975 album by Hyldon, a key figure in Brazilian soul music. The album captures the vibrant musical spirit of the 1970s and reflects the influence of the black power movement. With a mix of MPB, soul, and funk, Hyldon brought his unique sound to life, collaborating with influential artists like Azymuth. This album has earned cult status over the years, securing its place as one of the most coveted Brazilian records of all time. Remastered from the original tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl. This release is part of a new reissue series that will include many other outstanding Brazilian classics. Hyldon's debut release was one of the top-selling albums that year, capturing the vibrant musical spirit of the 1970s and reflecting the influence of the black power movement alongside artists like Tim Maia and Cassiano. The album, which features the iconic title track, is a celebration of love with timeless songs like "As Dores do Mundo," "Na Sombra de uma Árvore" and "Meu Patuá." Produced by Guti Carvalho with arrangements by Hyldon and Waldir Arouca Barros, the studio band included the talented musicians from Azymuth (José Roberto Bertrami, Alex Malheiros and Ivan Conti "Mamão"), making it a memorable piece of Brazilian musical history. This album has earned cult status over the years, securing its place as one of the most coveted Brazilian records of all time. Once incredibly rare and expensive, it's now at the top of every serious collector's wishlist. After being unavailable outside of Brazil for years, it's finally been reissued -- don't miss your chance to own this legendary piece of music history.

Dame Café, originally released on Discos Fuentes in 1965 to meet the tropical music demand of the time, features a mix of traditional rhythms like vallenato and cumbia, alongside more experimental beats. Los Gavilanes de la Costa, the band behind this album, had a brief existence but left a lasting impact, especially in Mexico's sonidero scene. Over the years, pirate editions and elusive original copies have made it a highly sought-after collector's item. The album's lively sound, combining accordion melodies, deep bass, and vibrant guacharaca rhythms, continues to resonate in the tropical music scene. The vibrant musical scene of the 1960s in Colombia owes much to a group of versatile accordionists who blended genres such as cumbia, charanga, guaracha, vallenato, and Cuban-influenced rhythms. This group included notable figures like Andrés Landero, Aníbal Velásquez, Lisandro Meza, and Alfredo Gutiérrez, among others. A prime example of their diverse musical styles is the album Dame Café, released in November 1965, which features a mix of traditional rhythms like vallenato and cumbia, alongside more experimental beats such as paseaíto and pasaje. The album includes six previously released singles composed by José Castro, Policarpo Calle, and others. The album highlights the commercial strategy of Discos Fuentes, which often created short-lived studio bands to meet the tropical music demand of the time. The group's creation was driven by the high demand for tropical music in the 1960s, with many musicians adjusting to market trends. Most of the members, including composers Campillo and Castro, vanished from the scene, while others, like Calle and Zambrano, went on to have notable careers in music. Calle, in particular, became a cumbia legend, later settling in Mexico City. The album features a remarkable contribution from Colombian jazz legend Justo Almario, who, at just 16 years old, played tenor sax on the track "Pues no da pa' más." Over the years, pirate editions and elusive original copies have made it a highly sought-after collector's item.

Triple LP version. "Superior Viaduct and new artist label, W.25TH, continue to be the home for Cindy Lee with the physical release of the celebrated album Diamond Jubilee. Universally praised, shortlisted for the 2024 Polaris Music Prize, and already hailed by Pitchfork as the third best album of the 2020s, anticipation and conversation around the record has been high. Cindy Lee is the performance and songwriting vehicle of Patrick Flegel (who previously fronted influential indie group Women). Over several albums, Flegel has combined delicate melodies and sheer beauty with moments of experimentation. With Diamond Jubilee, Flegel's undeniable songcraft comes to the foreground, embracing a more instant connection and accessibility. Timeless tales of love and longing, surrounded by sticky hooks, take the listener on an unforgettable journey. Diamond Jubilee was written and recorded over several years by Patrick Flegel in Toronto, Durham, Calgary and Montreal at Realistik Studios. The album was mixed by Steven Lind, who also contributes to several tracks and co-wrote 'Baby Blue,' and was mastered by Joshua Stevenson. Triple LP on black vinyl comes with 24"x36" poster."

"Each song like a foggy transmission from a rock 'n' roll netherworld with its ghostly canon of beloved hits." --Pitchfork

"Their masterwork, beamed down from another world, will always feel out of time and, therefore, feel at home in any given moment." --Paste

"Top album and song of the year so far, a legit timeless psych-pop masterpiece." --Gorilla Vs Bear

"The word of mouth album of the year." --The Guardian

"Intimate, serendipitous magic, Diamond Jubilee is not merely a piece of art, it's the entire exhibition." --Stereogum

"The greatest thing to happen to lo-fi pop in like a decade." --The Needle Drop

"An artist operating at the peak of their powers who is able to harness and crystallize all that potency and charge into a record." --Uncut

WRWTFWW Records presents the official reissue of Grauzone's essential 1981 maxi single with timeless classic "Eisbär," proto-techno beast "FILM 2," and romantic synth ballad "Ich Lieb Sie," just in time for the 40th anniversary of the Swiss band's formation. The three-track vinyl is sourced from the original reels, cut at 45rpm, and comes with its iconic artwork on a 350gsm sleeve. This special limited edition is available in blue vinyl variant. Written by Martin Eicher after a nightmare in which he saw talking polar bears on the walls, and with music by the Grauzone crew consisting of Martin and his brother Stephan Eicher, Marco Repetto, Christian "GT" Trüssel, and Claudine Chirac (on saxophone), "Eisbär" is the most recognizable title from the band, a sublime mix of ingredients reflecting the transitional era it comes from -- the raw energy of punk music still palpable, combined with the audacity of early electronics, the warm groove of a disco gem, beautifully fragile lyrics, and one of the best basslines ever. It became a mega hit, totally unplanned, but how could you resist such a track? "FILM 2" is the ultimate B-side monster, a menacing all-instrumental pre-techno masterpiece, slowly building to a magnetizing frenzy. An instant underground favorite, it was famously heard played at both speeds depending on the scenes and DJs you were frequenting, 45rpm as it was first intended, and 33rpm for the cosmic experience. The maxi single ends with "Ich Lieb Sie," a synth-pop meets doo-wop ballad, a true love song oozing with innocence. Simple, stylish, and just right. At the crossroads of post-punk, new wave, pop, and electronic experimentation, the Eisbär maxi offers three songs that are technically different but hold the same spirit, the perfect embodiment of Grauzone's music -- wild, unpredictable, and youthful, yet sophisticated, catchy, and ingenious. The magic recipe for the good stuff. Stephan Eicher went on to be, arguably, the most successful Swiss musician ever, with an international career extending from pop chanson to experimental escapades and collaborations with Moondog, artists Sophie Calle and John Armleder, and author Martin Suter among many other luminaries. Marco Repetto flourished as a techno and ambient producer, releasing multiple projects including releases on Aphex Twin's Rephlex label.

Repressed, 2LP version. "2025 is the new 1996! Fresh from them halcyon end-of-century days of the Chicago postrock communal living hostile comes an awesome new vinyl pressing of Gastr del Sol's Upgrade & Afterlife, just in time for its 29th anniversary. Way back when, Upgrade & Afterlife was the umpteenth release from the individual and collective forces of David Grubbs (known then for Bastro, The Red Krayola, Codeine, Squirrel Bait) and Jim O'Rourke (known for O'Rourke), whose further history has since numbered at least another umpteen or so essential listens. What is it though, wrapped up in delectable sonic amber here, that defines this Upgrade? As part of its time-traveling function, Upgrade & Afterlife is a return to roots, but not always necessarily Gastr's. They were more than happy to stand on branches up above other folks in order to see any next thing worth leaping for. Opening at their most incandescently impressionistic, 'Our Exquisite Replica of Eternity' has no precedent in the Gastrlog, and few in most others, either. 'Rebecca Sylvester' uses vocal harmonies to sharpen their singular, gamelan tone poem song form into something resembling a pop reverie at the finish. With undeniable (albeit oblique) comedy, 'The Sea Incertain' comments upon Crookt, Crackt, or Fly's 'The C in Cake,' with the presence of cracked electronics here and elsewhere taking a more forward position. The stentorian chamber piano sound introduced on 'Mirror Repair' is still in full effect throughout Upgrade, but the bluesy rattling of finger style acoustic has the last word, with a tranced-out reading of John Fahey's version of 'Dry Bones In the Valley,' weaving guitar, piano and Tony Conrad's trademark droning violin together to close the proceedings with an ingenious, slow-acting bang. In addition to the elder-statesman Conrad, Gastr del Sol drew upon a memorable spectrum of players for the sounds of Upgrade & Afterlife, including Anthony Burr, Steve Braack, Gene Coleman, Mats Gustafsson, Terri Kapsalis, John McEntire, Günter Müller, Jerry Ruthrauff, Ralf Wehowsky, and Sue Wolf. When issued, this combination of players, parts and play -- packaged in an impressively broad tip-on Stoughton gatefold sleeve emblazoned with Roman Signer's instantly iconic 'Wasserstiefel' image -- became the fastest-moving Gastr del Sol record to date. A delightful result, to our way of thinking, of the band's ability to push at the far boundaries of their music while consolidating upon pleasure points within sounds and songs."

Paperback. 960 pages. 2.2" H x 8.7" L x 5.7" W (2.56 lbs). "From the legendary producer of Nick Drake, R.E.M., Toots and the Maytals, and Pink Floyd and author of White Bicycles: Making Music in the 1960s comes a riveting, world-spanning tour de force illuminating the artists, histories, controversies, and collaborations that shaped global music. Paul Simon told Joe Boyd that when he first heard the accordion flourish that would open his multi-platinum album Graceland, it seemed to proclaim, 'You haven't heard this before!' Yet the 1980s 'world music' boom that Simon's album helped usher in had roots that extended back through the decades and across continents: tango on the eve of World War I, Latin dance across the '30s, '40s and '50s, reggae in the '70s, pre-War samba and pre-Beatles bossa nova, Eastern European ensembles filling capitalist concert halls during the Cold War, Indian ragas changing rock and roll in the 1960s, the folk music-inspired classical composers of the 19th and 20th centuries. In this sweeping history compiled from more than a decade of travel, research, interviews, and deep listening, Boyd sets out to explore centuries of fascinating backstories to these sounds. He shows how personalities, events, and politics in places such as Havana, Lagos, Budapest, Kingston, and Rio are as colorful and momentous as anything that took place in New Orleans, Harlem, Laurel Canyon, or Liverpool. And, moreover, how jazz, rhythm and blues, and rock 'n' roll would never have happened if it weren't for the notes and rhythms emanating from over the horizon. The one-of-a-kind result is And the Roots of Rhythm Remain: a glorious, symphonic celebration of the music that shapes the world."

"So the bad news is, in a fit of pique, I asked Chat GPT (nicely) to compose a one-sheet for the new Shit and Shine double album, Mannheim HBF. The even worse news (yes, even worse than resorting to such tactics) is that the resulting biography is halfway passable and on some levels, superior to the sort of thing being published by what's left of our weekly coupon-shoppers. But for fuck's sake my friends, Craig Clouse did not get to where he is today by settling for halfway passable and neither should you. That Shit and Shine's discography is vast and dizzying is already well established; what's not nearly as established are these recordings being specifically dizzying. I don't know if there's anyone else in modern music as skilled in waltzing around the periphery of so many disparate idioms ('noise,' being one of the least prominent this time around) and somehow, against all odds, tying 'em together in the most intricate of knots. And who doesn't love knots? We all have our favorite ways to experience music that's all-engulfing, but whether your preferred method is thru a stadium sized sound system or ear buds affixed as you've leapt off the tallest building in Bastrop, TX (the Jerry Fay Wilhelm Center for the Performing Arts, since you asked), not for the first time, Shit and Shine is entirely appropriate in either instance, possibly every instance. There are moments where I think this is a club record. The Friars Club, however. Far be it from me to provide guidelines for how and when you take in Mannheim HBF. 'No interruptions,' 'no distractions' are merely suggestions on the label's part, though we cannot be held responsible for what happens if you ignore 'em. Thank you." --12XU Records

LP version. Includes download code and an essay by E.R. Pulgar, a Venezuelan-American journalist, editor, poet, and translator interested in Latinx and alternative culture. Basing himself off the works of Cuban guitarist-composers José Angel Navarro and Hector Angulo, Italian guitarist Walter Zanetti intimately recreates sacred Afro-Cuban batá drum songs on guitar. Santería draws heavily on music for its ceremonies. This Afro-Cuban syncretic religion, sometimes called La Regla de Ocha, saw the Orisha deities of the West African Yoruba peoples codified with Catholic saints. Yoruba practitioners, brought by force to the West, continued to worship their gods under the nose of those who sought to dehumanize them by adopting their spiritual language. The chants that became Santería's prayers were often accompanied by the beat of the batá drum. This heartbeat runs through every invocation, through every sacred song. In the same way that the shuffling chains on the feet of enslaved African peoples dancing defiantly in Colombia birthed the distinctive rhythm of cumbia, syncretism has been present in music as much as it has in religion. It has always been about challenging the odds, about creation, creativity, and heart. This is why Italian musician Walter Zanetti's guitar pierces straight to the soul on his Cantos Yoruba de Cuba. This album of new recordings from Zanetti brings together six original compositions by Navarro dictated to the Italian guitarist on a month-long trip to Cuba and reinterpretations of Angulo's nine original Cantos Yoruba de Cuba, which give the record its name.

"For more than two years, Zeus B. Held has been the keyboardist for the German kraut rock institution Guru Guru. However, his long-standing international career as a musician, producer, songwriter and arranger began in 1972 with his kraut rock colleagues from Birth Control. Six years and six BC albums later, after the release of his solo album Zeus' Amusement, he parted ways with the band. He explored new and interesting possibilities for himself with the use of a vocoder, especially in vocal phrasing. Together with drummer Manni von Bohr (Bröselmaschine), bassist Horst Stachelhaus (Birth Control, Message) and Helmut Fichtner from the Düsseldorf band Message as another keyboarder, he also brought the concept of Zeus' Amusement to the stage. The album itself was released in 1978 on Brain; the cover design by Berlin underground artist Gil Funccius caused a sensation and sold very well, but unfortunately it was somewhat forgotten over time. This was also due to the fact that Zeus concentrated more on writing, producing and arranging and provided the right sound for artists like Nina Hagen, Dead Or Alive, Men Without Hats, and especially Gina X Performance. After almost 47 years, Zeus' Amusement is now available on CD and digitally for the first time. As a bonus, there are four new arrangements and remixes by Zeus."

Originally released in 2023. "'When everything was ready the trio played four tracks in a row, all in one breath' recalls Veschi. There was no need to record many takes for each piece. Everything went for the best. The trio played for pieces that Rivers baptized with the evocative titles of 'Expectation,' 'Vision,' 'Judgement,' and 'Hope.' There is no doubt The Quest was an album of an absolute vanguard, reflecting the experimentations and the freedom of expression that was swarming among the lofts of New York. It was alive and vital music, spontaneous and sincere, violently hitting the listener and not leaving him or her indifferent."

Isolée is best known for his early work, the now '90s classic "beau mot plage" (1998), included on his first album Rest (2000). Allowance (2013) on DJ Koze's Pampa Label, Pisco (2016) on Mano le Tough's label Maeve, and the launch of his own label Resort Island with his fourth album Resort Island in 2023 are the highlights to date. "Love Algorithm," the first single title, pulls listeners into the rabbit hole of social media. In this deep house track Isolée embraces the unpredictable. The slacker who takes things at his own pace. He leisurely lets some vocal debris wail through the track, and fans might recognize a Kerri Chandler vibe in the background textures, maybe more obvious in the stripped-down B-side "3rd Places Dub" version. "OMG So Random" seems old-scool, not boosting the tempo. Though not being "fast," this track is pushing and powerful. Its classy dub sounds and textures put up against some scratchy, seemingly exotic, flute-like instruments make this track less obvious to categories than it might seem at first. It marries the reflection of a contemplative tune with the quality to be a dance track. On "Chopstick!," the third and final single, the bass line dominates, too. Isolée rediscovered one of his analog '80s Roland synthesizers, the MKS30, which creates that distinctive thudding sound. This track picks up the pace the most.

With Leaving It All to Chance, Roomer don't quite leave everything up to fate. The Berlin outfit's debut album hums with guitar-driven heartbreak, pairing mind-splitting noise with seductive melodies. Capturing the gritty yet emotive energy of their live performances, the album welcomes in the occasional ear-candy, staying true to the raw physicality of a hazy club show all while sharpening its edges -- crafted in true DIY spirit and released by Munich's Squama Recordings. Roomer is the meeting point of four distinct creative forces in the European music scene, united through long-standing friendships and years of collaboration across projects ranging from avant-garde free improv to ethereal folk and ambient electronica. Inevitably -- if surprisingly late -- the question arose: why not start a band? In their hands, the rock band format became a canvas for their many musical worlds to collide.

Clear vinyl version. "Nick Cave, new in Berlin, entered the world of Die Haut in 1982. The result is a furious album that paves the way for the music that Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds have been making since 1984. Burnin' The Ice has not been available for a long time. Now the record is being reissued on vinyl -- and after many years, it closes a gap that drove Cave completists to despair. No wild god has fallen from the sky yet. Not even Nick Cave, perhaps the best music performer of the present day. Cave has worked hard for his power, his aura, his reputation. An important early milestone on this journey: Burnin' The Ice, released in 1983 together with Berlin band Die Haut. An album like a contemporary document. A ticket to the diffuse and adventurous Berlin of the early '80s, right in the middle of Nick Cave's hot period between The Birthday Party and The Bad Seeds. Burnin' The Ice captures the moment when Nick Cave and Die Haut first developed the music that would later make him seem larger than life. The sound on this record is existential and experimental. Interested in ecstasy and excess. Relentless and uncompromising. Nick Cave's work is actually considered to be well documented. Burnin' The Ice was the exception. That is about to change. The Hit Thing label, curated by Larry Mullins, part of the Bad Seeds' live lineup, has gained Cave's attention with releases such as Morphosa Harmonia and Mullins' own production Camissionia. New vinyl mastering by Doug Henderson, responsible for the mastering of Swans, among others. An LP that was almost thought to be lost is available again."

Mercenárias is an iconic band in the history of Brazilian punk and post-punk. They gained global recognition after being included in several compilations outside Brazil. Recommended for fans of The Slits, DNA, Malaria!, Kleenex, and Minutemen, this early recording by Mercenárias is more punk than their albums, but still super catchy. It has been remastered from the original tape and includes an insert with previously unseen photos and a short text by Edgard Scandurra. This is a collaboration release with the Brazilian label Nada Nada Discos. Born in the vibrant alternative scene of 1980s São Paulo, Mercenárias is an iconic band in the history of Brazilian punk and post-punk. Formed by Sandra Coutinho (bass and vocals), Rosália Munhoz (vocals), Ana Machado (guitar), and Edgard Scandurra (drums), the group stood out for their rebellious attitude, incisive lyrics, and raw sound that blended punk, post-punk, and experimental elements. Their debut album, Cadê as Armas? (1986), is considered one of the most important records in Brazilian music history. Three years earlier, they recorded their first demo tape at the studio of the funk/pop band Placa Luminosa. The recording turned out great, it's the best you can wait from a Brazilian punk record: raw, aggressive, yet catchy, well-played and produced.

This 45 comprises two killer pop dancers with plenty of psych fuzz guitars, punchy horns and funky beats: the in-demand Christie Laume's mod anthem "Rouge-Rouge" and Marta Kubisova's "Tak Dej Se K Nám A Projdem Svět," a glorious LP-only song that has never available on a 45 before. Sister-in-law of Edith Piaf (who introduced her to the music business), Christie Laume became a ye-ye style singer in '60s France. Her mod anthem "Rouge, Rouge" (1967) is a great song that never fails in making the dance floor shake, taken from a very rare and in-demand EP. On the flipside comes Marta Kubi?ová, one of the most popular singers in the Czech Republic in the '60s. Her "Tak Dej Se K Nám A Projdem Svět" is a glorious LP-only song from 1969 that has never available on a 45 before. Expect heavy basslines, punchy horns and fuzzy guitars.

2025 repress. Monolithic and stark but extremely warm, intensely personal, and for every one in every which way. Proibito are very happy to present to you For Those Of You Who Have Never (And Also Those Who Have), an album by Huerco S.

4K ultra HD. Region code 0. "No fairy tale this! In 1976, producer/director/cinematographer/editor Russ Meyer delivered his penultimate feature film -- co-written by Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls screenwriter and Pulitzer Prize winner Roger Ebert -- hailed as 'jaw-droppingly perverse' (Entertainment Weekly), 'Meyer at his most outrageous' (Images Journal) and 'definitely not to be confused with the Pixar cartoon' (The Spinning Image): Welcome to a sex-blasted burg in Northern California where sodomized Führers, ravenous piranha, sapphic ecstasy, murder mystery, Shakespearean appropriation and the remarkable Raven De La Croix collide, with Kitten Natividad -- in her RM Productions debut -- as The Greek Chorus of it all. Janet Wood (The Centerfold Girls) co-stars in 'one of Russ Meyer's best films' (We Are Movie Geeks), now scanned in 4K from the original negative by Severin Films with new and archival special features curated in association with The Russ Meyer Trust."

2025 repress. Forged Prescriptions is a double album by Spacemen 3, containing alternative takes and demo versions of songs from their album The Perfect Prescription (1987), plus some previously unreleased tracks. In his liner notes, Spacemen 3's Sonic Boom says this release presents the album's songs in their "full guitar-laden versions with all the layers of beautifully streamlined guitar, considered by us to be too hard to replicate live and therefore reduced for the original release. For me, this is where Spacemen 3's songwriting came to a head; many of these songs pre-dated Sound Of Confusion (1986), some were even recorded at both sessions, but I am still impressed mightily by Jason Pierce's lyrical genius on originals like "Walking With Jesus" and re-writes like "Come Down Easy" and his fluid guitar playing across the whole sessions."

LP version. Orange color vinyl. Ruins/Zu is fusing the original core of Rome's ace Zu bassist Massimo Pupillo and saxophonist Luca T Mai together with drummer Yoshida Tatsuya, founder of the Japanese band Ruins.

Wewantsounds continues its extensive Meiko Kaji reissue program -- in partnership with Teichiku Records and Kaji herself -- with the release of Yadokari, her third album from 1973. This marks the first time the album has been reissued on vinyl, featuring its original artwork and newly remastered audio. Renowned for her iconic 1970s films (Lady Snowblood, the Stray Cat Rock series) and admired by Quentin Tarantino, Meiko Kaji also released a string of outstanding albums on Teichiku, blending Japanese pop with cinematic grooves. Yadokari is reissued here with its original deluxe gatefold sleeve and OBI plus a two-page insert featuring new liner notes by Hashim Kotaro Bharoocha. As a special bonus, this edition includes an EP single featuring "Shura No Hana," famously featured on the Kill Bill soundtrack. Kaji was one of Japan's most iconic exploitation film actresses of the early 1970s. Beyond acting, she was invited by film studios to perform theme songs for many of her films leading to revered music career. Between 1972 and 1974, she recorded five albums for Teichiku, which have since become highly sought after. Yadokari ("hermit crab"), released in 1973, was Kaji's third album for the label. Like its predecessors Gincho Wataridori and Hajiki Uta, it offers a rich mix of kayōkyoku (Japanese pop), traditional enka, psychedelic rock, and cinematic '70s funk. The album includes two tracks, "Hagure Bushi" and "Kiba no Ballad," from the cult 1973 TV series Sengoku Rock Hagure Kiba, in which Kaji starred. "Hagure Bushi" stands out as one of the album's funkiest tracks. Like "Kiba no Ballad," it was composed and arranged by the legendary producer Yuji Ohno (best known for his work on Lupin the III). The album as a whole is a superb blend of atmospheric songs, from the haunting, slow-burning title track "Yadokari" to "Ah," which features groovy guitar licks, harmonica, and sleek string arrangements, evoking a subtle Morricone influence. To complete this reissue, Wewantsounds has included the rare 1973 7" EP "Shura No Hana/Hō Yare Ho" as a bonus. Only released as a single, "Shura No Hana" (Flower of Carnage") is a cult classic, famously featured on Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill Vol. 2 soundtrack. A key release in Meiko Kaji's 1972 - 1974 Teichiku Records catalog, Yadokari is a testament to her singular talent as a singer.

Moving along the shades of early psychedelia and contemporary progressive rock, Byzantyum launched the careers of Mick Barakan (later of Lone Justice), Robin Lamble, Chaz Jankel (future member of Ian Dury & The Blockheads) and Robin Sylvester. The guitarists are the band's fulcrum, giving free rein to rocking riffs and fiery leads as well as moodier 12-string passages. A very eclectic set indeed, from baroque oriented pop numbers to soaring majestic tracks.

Incredible "concept" album from the transatlantic duo made of Ian Svenonius (The Make Up, Escape-ism, Chain & the Gang, etc.) and Memphis Electronic (Dum Dum Boys, NON!) who took the beloved but tired tunes of the classic rock canon and resuscitated them by pumping new blood into worn-out veins, revitalizing them with new themes, new lyrics, and new riffs to make them brand new again, merging the old with the new, completing the circle of life! A truly cosmic record! The Ancient Greeks and Romans sure had that "classic" touch. Before their empires crumbled into ruin, they set the standard with their classical forms, in art, buildings, and philosophy. They've set the pace ever since with pretenders and imitators making "classical music," "neo-classical architecture," and of course "classic rock." Once something is a classic, it's untouchable. No one would dare attempt to improve it. That would be sacrilege! After all, who could do better than Ovid, Homer, & Virgil? Or the classic tunes of Rolling Stones, the Stooges, et al? They're the gold standard of perfection; no one would dare try to improve upon them -- until XYZ that is! That's right, XYZ -- those little-known legends -- have achieved the impossible; they've taken the classics and made them even better! More relevant, more updated, more "now," more wow! They improved the classics using all the latest sensibilities, technologies and innovations. On XYZ Plays The Classics, the XYZ band -- the twosome that sang "Bubble Gum" -- take the beloved but tired tunes of the classic rock canon -- The Rolling Stones, VU, Neu!, The Seeds, Stooges, and the other Hall of Famers -- and resuscitates them, pumping new blood into worn-out veins, revitalize them with new themes, new lyrics, and new riffs to make them new again! This is the record that merges the old with the new, that completes the circle of life; it's the cosmic record that everyone needs right now!

LP version. Der Moderne Man formed in 1979 and operated mainly in the vicinity of Hanover's No Fun label. Inspired by visits to concerts and record stores in London and New York and bands such as the Ramones, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Iggy Pop, and the Clash, the group developed an explosive sound that led to the first album 80 Tage auf See ("80 days at sea") in 1980: German-language post-punk that stood out from Hanover's underground sound and also gained support from BBC's John Peel. Tapete Records now re-issues their first two studio albums. This is accompanied by Jugend Forscht, a compilation of demos, EPs and singles with some unreleased tracks. All three releases are complemented by detailed liner notes and previously unreleased images. 80 Tage auf See captures a historic moment. When the record was released in 1980, the so-called "Neue Deutsche Welle" (German New Wave) was no more than a rumor. It was still far from clear what (post-)punk on West German terms might entail. 80 Tage auf See was recorded over a short time span and hurled onto the market just as swiftly. The 80 days of the album title most likely do not refer to time spent in the studio. This release occupies one of the top spots in the race for the very first German punk album. It is perhaps the first "first German punk LP" that managed to reproduce the force and urgency of the English original, albeit in a way so deferred and strange that the term "Krautpunk" comes to mind. Der Moderne Man was to Damned and Wire what Amon Düül II was to Hawkwind and Vanilla Fudge. No wonder John Peel kept the record in his show's heavy rotation. Shortly after the release of 80 Tage auf See, the basically postnatal New German Wave disbanded into fractions whose initial hostility towards each other gradually turned into indifference. The remains were something like 'Deutschpunk' (not 'Krautpunk') here, avant-garde neo-tonality there and in between some more or less successful attempts to establish contemporary German pop music. On 80 Tage auf See, all of this is still on equal footing: (power) pop, the catchy wave punk which would become the signature sound of Hannover's No Fun label and the rather idiosyncratic idea of experimental music which Michael Jarick (aka Ziggy XY) brought in as a singer.

Double LP version. Of all the independent record labels of the 1980s, él was the most singular and exciting. él only existed for a few short years and yet paradoxically -- given its modest commercial success -- was hugely influential. For writer Jonathan Coe, one of the label's many devotees, él was "Britain's great musical secret." This "best of" compilation LP, curated by label supremo Mike Alway himself, reminds the world of the greatness of él. él was created in 1984 by Alway, a mercurial A&R man for Cherry Red signing outstanding artists like Everything But the Girl, The Monochrome Set, and Felt. Alway briefly co-ran Blanco Y Negro (an offshoot of WEA) but was soon constrained by the conservativism of the commercial music sector and left to set up his own label. Alway's "hands on" approach was to take complete control of the philosophy of the label's releases and even the titles of songs in the manner of pop impresarios of the past. Alway became a curator, selecting, shaping and overseeing the records issued on él. He employed songwriters proficient in classical pop techniques such as Nicholas Currie (AKA Momus) and Philippe Auclair (AKA Louis Philippe) who issued their own records while writing, arranging and performing for other él artistes. Great musicians such as Simon Turner (AKA The King of Luxembourg), Dean 'Speedball' Brodrick, and producer Richard Preston completed the picture. él was critically acclaimed in the UK and popular in America and mainland Europe but in Japan had a profound effect, directly influencing the Shibuya-kei phenomenon that included Pizzicato Five, Kahimi Karie, and Cornelius. The Rubens Room accompanies the book Bright Young Things by Mark Goodall (Ventil) the first publication to tell the fascinating story of the music found on The Rubens Room. Mike Alway writes in his sleeve notes that "él was the joy of my life. It was monumental." Featuring Louis Philippe, Anthony Adverse, The King of Luxembourg, Would-Be-Goods, Marden Hill, Bad Dream Fancy Dress, The Monochrome Set, Always, and Momus.

"On the cover: aya: New album hexed! explores sobriety and neurodiversity through radical tunings and transformed instruments. By Chal Ravens. Inside: Satch Hoyt: The one-time Burnt Sugar member's Un-Muting project opens museum archives of stolen instruments. By Francis Gooding; Ailie Ormston: The Glasgow composer moves away from the conservatoire to conduct the sounds of the city. By Abi Bliss; Joke Lanz: At 60 years old the Swiss improvisor still takes a punk approach to the turntable. By Daniel Spicer; Bios Contrast: Kolkata musician Nilotpal Das cooks up the concept of brahmancore. By Misha Farrant; Laura Cocks: Chamber music is the site of connection for the flautist. By Stewart Smith; MIC: Grime provides the setting for sci-fi storytelling in the hands of the London MC. By Lucy Thraves: John King: The composer playing the blues for Palestine's lost communities. By Kurt Gottschalk; Trân Uy Đúc: The Vietnamese multidisciplinary artist curates the self-scape. By Daryl Worthington; Invisible Jukebox: Alvin Curran: Will the Musica Elettronica Viva member read maritime rites over The Wire's mystery record selection? Tested by Julian Cowley; Global Ear: Experiments and activism in Danish capital Copenhagen. By Josh Feola; Unlimited Editions: Meticulous design and sonics dovetail in New York new music label Greyfade. By Philip Watson; The Inner Sleeve: Seymour Wright on Anne Gillis's Lxgrin; Against The Grain: VAN magazine Editor Hugh Morris can't stand that jazzy sensation; Epiphanies: Surgeon gets all cut up by William S Burroughs and Brion Gysin. Plus 40 pages of reviews including Gryphon Rue: State of nature. By Abi Bliss; Ed Kuepper & Jim White/Kim Salmon & Masami Kawaguchi: Pacific old masters. By Byron Coley; Strata-East reissues: Black unity. By Daniel Spicer; Music under Stalin: Utopian dreams and nightmares in the USSR. By Andy Hamilton; Borealis: Nordic operations. By Robert Barry; 160 Unity: Footwork on the floor. By Joseph Francis; and much, much more."

Featuring contributions from Jordan Tice (of Hawktail), Jay Bellerose, Harrison Whitford, Rayna Gellert, Dylan Day, Mark Goldenberg, Rich Hinman, and Robert Bowlin, this album, a self-titled affair, finds Cameron Knowler at an exciting crossroads between American tradition and forward looking guitar soli -- toeing the line between personal regionalism and the universality of landscape memory. Knowler draws on the history and geography of his birthplace of Yuma, Arizona -- a border town known for its lettuce production and defunct territorial prison. In line with the regional ethos of the composer Frantz Casseus and the minimalism of Bruce Langhorne, this instrumental guitar record launches into a world of desert sun, propane tanks, dark jail cells, and the verdant Colorado. Knowler ferries listeners across a sensitively crafted world with deft, understated playing, pushing the current of instrumental acoustic music forward through lush original compositions, while keeping an eye on tradition with his singular arrangements of old-time fiddle tunes. With what many describe as the closest thing to the right hand of Norman Blake, Knowler's delivery also nods to the work of creative outsiders Terry Allen and David Rawlings. With this work, Knowler sonically illuminates untold stories of the Sonoran, lending a voice to the pictorial canon made famous by Dorothea Lange and western films such as 3:10 to Yuma. There is a sense of interiority to the record as well, Knowler says, noting that he "grew up isolated, unschooled in a desert with very little contact with children my own age." He only returned to his hometown recently to revisit places held in memory, and this album stands as a direct result of unpacking those landscapes coded with personal darkness. By creating an outward-facing work of art, Knowler strives to "make sandcastles out of grief" and emblazon the diorama of his youth. Here, the world receives a sound poem, a memory palace that stands as a document of both personal grief and acceptance of the many dimensions of a place.

The Rising Wave marks the debut collaboration between singer-songwriter Marlene Ribeiro (of psychedelic band GNOD) and electronic producer Shackleton under the name Light Space Modulator. Ribeiro's ethereal voice -- part singing, part incantation -- feels both distant and intimate, humming just behind the horizon. Her experimental soundscapes flow like a streamlined river, intertwining seamlessly with Shackleton's deep, textural production and intricate percussion. Shackleton's percussive production ebbs and swells, conjuring a hypnotic, tripped-out atmosphere. At The Rising Wave's core lies a sense of intention, a cleansing ritual designed to shift perception and inspire transformation.

Double LP version. Far Out Recordings presents a landmark discovery in Brazilian jazz: the long lost album by drumming pioneer Edison Machado. Recorded in New York City in early 1978 but never released, Edison Machado & Boa Nova captures a pivotal figure in Brazilian music history at the height of his artistic powers. After facing persecution under Brazil's military dictatorship and being forced to sell his drum kit in 1976, Machado found renewed creative purpose in New York with the Boa Nova ensemble. The resulting album captures the essence of his genius -- sophisticated yet wild, controlled yet daring, leading an ensemble of some of the best jazz, samba and bossa nova players of the day. At just fifteen years old, Machado revolutionized Brazilian music through an accident that would change everything -- when his snare drum broke during a performance, he began playing samba rhythms on the cymbal. This innovation, known as "samba no prato" (samba on the cymbals), brought new layers of dynamism to samba and proved instrumental in the development of bossa nova alongside contemporaries like Antonio Carlos Jobim and João Gilberto. A complex and passionate figure, Machado was notorious for his militant perfectionism and "attacking" style of drumming. Having spent some years of his youth in the Brazilian army, musicians often remarked that he played as if he were at war. But his innovative style, while exhibiting complete control and sophistication, somehow so often danced right on the edge of chaos and wild abandon. After making his name in Rio's legendary Beco das Garrafas (Bottles Alley) in the 1950s and early '60s, Machado went on to form Bossa Três -- the world's first instrumental bossa nova group. His influence spread internationally through collaborations with Stan Getz, Sergio Mendes, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Milton Nascimento, and Chet Baker, while his 1964 album Edison Machado É Samba Novo stands as a masterpiece of Brazilian jazz. At 80 minutes in length, Edison Machado & Boa Nova, the lost 1978 New York sessions, is a singular achievement in Brazilian jazz. The format itself is a rarity in the canon. It's packed full of exceptional technical precision and creative vitality, with sophisticated arrangements and masterful improvisation from its exceptional sextet of Brazilian and US musicians: Paulinho Trompete (flugelhorn/trumpet), Ion Muniz (tenor saxophone), Steve Sacks (baritone saxophone), Mozar Terra (piano), and Ricardo dos Santos (double bass). The album features unheard compositions by Brazilian masters Dom Salvador, Guilherme Vergueiro, and Aloisio Aguiar, amidst the plethora of captivating original material by the members of the Boa Nova ensemble.

On Katelyn Clark and Mitch Renaud's Ouroboros astronomical and astrological phenomena, concepts and symbols such as the Great Year or the Eternal Return serve as the starting points for sonic explorations and experimentations. Focusing on a uniquely tempered range of frequencies, from low-end drone rumbles to airy pipe swirls, the duo develops a minimalist and highly evocative sonic universe on their debut album for Hallow Ground. Working as composers, improvisers and curators in Canada's vibrant experimental and early music scenes, Clark and Renaud began developing Ouroboros through extensive improvisation with a reduced setup. Clark, who has worked extensively with historical keyboards since her studies in Amsterdam and Siena, played a small pipe organ modelled after a 14th-century instrument while Renaud brought a modular synthesizer and his interest in feedback systems to the collaboration. Later, the duo further refined their artistic dialog and the sonic interactions of the two instruments through the shared space of a two-day recording session in Vancouver. Subtle crackling, acoustic beating and other (psycho-)acoustic effects in five pieces document this encounter, giving the music a profound physicality while hinting at the bodily presence of the two collaborators. Just as the cyclicality of natural phenomena or the repetition of planetary movements is both a scientific fact and of the cultural imaginary, the sound worlds of Ouroboros are fundamentally rooted in time and space while transgressing the idea of a "here and now" through their conceptual links to geological and planetary time. The interplay of portative organ and modular synthesizer, which merge fluidly and in ever-changing ways, leads to a kind of circularity, a timelessness, a no-time. At the same time, the movements and subtle changes undermine the idea of repetition in the negative sense. After all, the Eternal Return, as Gilles Deleuze writes in regard to Nietzsche, is not the return of the same but a repetition of repetition. The only constant is change, the production of new intensities, of new forms of life -- and of new frequencies.