For the Record
Booker T & the M.G.'s - Green Onions (Ltd. Ed. Green Vinyl)
The debut album from Booker T & the MGs and only the fourth album every released by the legendary Stax label (the previous three had all appeared on the Atlantic label as part of their deal, so technically this is the first proper Stax album too), Green Onions is little short of a tour de force. Whilst many albums from fifty years ago now sound dated and stuck in the decade from which they originate, Green Onions is one of the true exceptions. Led by Booker T Jones on the keyboards, the sound is rounded out by Lewis Steinberg on bass, Steve Cropper on guitar and Al Jackson Jr. on drums. With Donald Duck Dunn later replacing Steinberg, the MGs would become the house band for Stax, as important to the label as the Funk Brothers were to Motown, but the difference was that the MGs got their own recording deal, with Green Onions the glorious result.
Death Cab for Cutie - Thank You for Today (Ltd. Ed. clear vinyl)
Vinyl LP pressing. 2018 release from the indie rock favorites. Thank You for Today was produced and mixed by Rich Costey (Fiona Apple, Franz Ferdinand, Muse), who also produced the band's last album the Grammy nominated Kintsugi. Thank You for Today marks the first Death Cab for Cutie release to see long time bandmates Gibbard, Nick Harmer, and Jason McGerr joined in the studio by new members Dave Depper (Menomena, Fruit Bats, Corin Tucker, Ray Lamontagne) and Zac Rae (My Brightest Diamond, Fiona Apple, Lana Del Rey, Gnarls Barkley). Depper and Rae have both been part of Death Cab's touring band since 2015.
The Kooks - Let's Go Sunshine (Ltd. Ed. white vinyl, 2xLP)
Seminal British Indie Pop band The Kooks return with their 5th album, "Let's Go Sunshine". The Kooks exploded onto the scene in 2006 with their debut album 'Inside In / Inside Out'. The heart and soul of "Let's go Sunshine" lies in it's hymns of lost innocence, fading relationships and the process of break-up and recovery. It's the sound of an ambitious, confident band stepping out and making a statement with their definitive album. Sing along indie anthems sit next to psychedelic flourishes, groove ridden blues and texture rich arena sized rock.
Amanda Shires - To The Sunset (Purple vinyl)
"It's all rock & roll - no golf!" is how acclaimed singer/songwriter/violinist Amanda Shires describes her electrifying fifth album, To The Sunset. She's borrowed a lyric from the effervescent track "Break Out the Champagne," one of ten deftly crafted songs that comprise her powerful new recording. The Texas-born road warrior, new mom, and recently minted MFA in creative writing has mined a range of musical influences to reveal an Amanda Shires many didn't know existed. "Isn't it refreshing?" Shires asks. Indeed. Distorted electric guitars, effects pedals, swirling keys and synths, and rockin' rhythms certainly suit Shires' visceral songcraft and lilting soprano.
Chris Stapleton Collector's Series
One of the most captivating performers in modern music, Chris Stapleton has truly raised the bar for today's crowded country genre, rising to the top with his incredible vocal and instrumental abilities. Arriving on the scene with The Steeldrivers in 2007, Stapleton recorded two albums with the bluegrass players before exiting to focus on his family. By 2015, he released Traveller, his first solo effort. From A Room Vol. 1 followed in May of 2017, and by December Stapleton released From A Room Vol. 2, all recorded in the infamous RCA Studio A with mastermind producer Dave Cobb.
Eurythmics Collector's Series Bundle
British synth pop duo Eurythmics was comprised of singer Annie Lennox and musician Dave Stewart. Responsible for international hits such as "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" and "Here Comes the Rain Again", their driving dance beats and Lennox's powerful vocals paved the way in the early 80's for many electronic acts that followed. We've bundled the first five albums from Eurythmics in one awesome package!
August Discover Records of the Month - Joseph - Stay Awake (Ltd. Ed. clear-colored vinyl) // Rainbow Kitten Surprise - How To: Friend, Love, Freefall (Ltd. Ed. purple-colored vinyl)
Joseph returns with seven-track vinyl EP Stay Awake with three new songs - "All, " a demo of "50, 60, 80, " and "Stay Awake" - plus two older songs reimagined and covers of Tears For Fears' "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" and Rolling Stones' "Moonlight Mile." Natalie Schepman who founded Joseph with her two sisters Allison and Meegan Closner, says the EP is "a small collection of songs we put together to help ourselves deal with heaviness. It's a bit of telling it like it is. It's a bit of a 'keep going.'"
August Classic Rock Record of the Month - Yes - 90125 (Blue/Pink/Yellow Vinyl)
The 1983 album was produced by Trevor Horn features the US chart-topper Owner Of A Lonely Heart. This is part of Rhino’s Back To The 80s series and is pressed on tri-coloured vinyl echoing the cover art: pink, yellow and blue.