For the Record
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.
August Jazz Soul & Blues Record of the Month - Fantastic Negrito - Please Don't Be Dead
There is desperation and urgency in Fantastic Negrito's new album Please Don't Be Dead. The record sees the Devil around the corner, and each song is a plea to make you aware of what's waiting for you. The artist is screaming at you because he knows what comes next. The album art features a real life photograph of Fantastic Negrito waking up from a three week coma. His body is shattered, his eyes are staring past you. They're staring at the darkness that awaits. But with his new album we hear the voice of an artist who put that darkness in the rearview. Now he's asking America to do the same.
August Alternative Record of the Month - Johnny Marr - Call The Comet (Ltd. Ed. purple-colored vinyl)
Call the Comet is the third studio album by British guitarist - and former Smiths member - Johnny Marr. Call The Comet was constructed in sessions at Marr's own Crazy Face Studios in Manchester. "'Call The Comet' is my own magic realism," says Johnny Marr. "It's set in the not-too-distant future and is mostly concerned with the idea of an alternative society. The characters in the songs are searching for a new idealism, although there are some personal songs in there too. It's something that people like me can relate to." Call The Comet is the follow-up to his 2014 album Playland.