Glass Spells: Disco Goth album (Aug 25, 2016). The genre blending dance-punk found on Glass Spells' debut album makes for one of the highlights of the year. Preview/buy the album at Bandcamp.
Siouxsie Sioux: "Love Crime" digital download (Dec 4, 2015). Originally heard during the season finale of the US television show Hannibal, "Love Crime" features the classic Sioux sound, her first release since the Manta Ray album and singles. Released through iTunes.
Piefight: This Changes Everything EP (2015). Second digital EP from this Portland-based indie band. Memorable melodies, intelligent lyrics, and solid performances make this worth checking out. (Bandcamp, February 10, 2015). Preview/buy the EP at Bandcamp.
The Primitives: Spin-O-Rama single (2014). Limited release of 500 clear vinyl 7" singles. Features two new tracks, "Spin-O-Rama," the title track from the Primitives' new album due in October, and a cover of "Up So High" by The What's New. (Release September 1, 2014).
Sinead O'Connor: I'm Not Bossy I'm the Boss album (2014).. Released August 12, 2014. Preview/buy the album at Amazon
Chrissie Hynde: Stockholm album (2014) (Release June 10, 2014). Preview/buy album at
Amazon
When Hong Kong Garden was originally released in 1978, it would have been impossible to predict the influence that Siouxsie & the Banshees would have on the music world, and impossible to imagine post-punk and alternative music without them. Dark, literate, and relentlessly innovative, the band continually challenged and reinvented themselves. This reissue includes the classic "Hong Kong Garden," with it's original B-side, the paranoid fantasy "Voices." The second 45 includes a re-recording of "Hong Kong Garden" from Sofia Coppola's 2006 film, Marie Antionette, backed by an alternate version of "Voices" drawn from the 1984 EP The Thorn. The gatefold sleeve includes an 8-page booklet. (Universal, 2014). Preview/buy the single at Amazon
Shonen Knife: Overdrive (2014) Recording since 1982, Shonen Knife turn in their 21st album, fusing heavy metal with lead singer Naoko Yamano's characteristically oblique lyrical obsessions. (Apr 14, 20140. Preview/buy the album at Amazon
The posthumous All I Ever Wanted: The Anthology 2-CD collection (not to be confused with 1991 All I Ever Wanted EP) is an excellent overview of the highlights of MacColl's career. The set includes the majority of tracks from previous MacColl collections, Galore (1995), A New England (2013), though fewer than Virgin/EMI's triple disc From Croydon to Cuba...An Anthology (2005). It's noteworthy for the inclusion of "Shutting the Doors" with Jools Holland, and BBC session versions of "He's on the Beach" and "A New England," the latter of which includes a guest appearance by Billy Bragg, the song's author. Though it's no substitute for a new album, this collection a welcome reminder of just how eclectic and powerful MacColl's music can be. (Apr 7, 2014). Preview/buy the collection at Amazon
While this album is described as "the first new Missing Persons studio album in over 25 years," it is more accurately a solo project for vocalist Dale Bozzio. Given that the album features Bozzio as the sole original member (drummer Terry Bozzio, guitarist Warren Cuccurullo, bassist/keyboardist Patrick O'Hearn are all absent), Missing in Action is an particularly apt title. Replacing the band is producer/multi-instrumentalist Billy Sherwood, striving to replicate the Missing Persons sound. Featuring the single "Hello, Hello" and a cover of the March Violets "March Into the Sun." (Cleopatra, Mar 4, 2014). Preview/buy the album at Amazon
Summarizing Loreena McKennitt's career is a daunting task, with her recorded output including ten studio albums and four live albums. The Journey So Far compounds the problem by devoting the second disc to a new live album recorded in 2012 in Mainz, Germany, leaving a single disc to survey a wealth of material. Nothing is included from To Drive the Cold Winter Away (1987) or A Midwinter Night's Dream (2008), and just one track each from Elemental (1985), Parallel Dreams (1989), An Ancient Muse (2006), and The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2010), leaving the wealth of tracks drawn from The Visit (1991), The Mask and Mirror (1994), The Book of Secrets (1997). Without question the material included is excellent, bit it is hard not to wish for a fuller representation of her catalog. For those keeping score, the track breakdown follows: The Mystic's Dream (The Mask and Mirror), Bonny Portmore (The Visit), The Bonny Swans (The Mask and Mirror), The Mummer's Dance (The Book of Secrets), Down by the Sally Gardens (The Wind That Shakes the Barley), Stolen Child (Elemental), The Lady of Shalott (The Visit), Marco Polo (The Book of Secrets), Penelope's Song (An Ancient Muse), Huron "Beltane" Fire Dance (Parallel Dreams), The Old Ways (The Visit), Dante's Prayer (The Book of Secrets). (Quinlan Road, Mar 3, 2014). Preview/buy the album at Amazon
Suzanne Vega's first regular studio album since 2007's Beauty and Crime (her other recent releases being the Close Up series of re-recordings), features Vega's uniquely literate observations set in a diverse musical landscape. It's a short work, lasting under 40 minutes, but in that time takes the listener on a journey that is exotic on the surface, but like much of Vega's work, is universally human at it's core. Loosely organized around the theme of the Tarot deck, and drawing on imagery such as the Queen of Pentacles, the Knight of Wands, and the Fool, the album contrasts forceful tracks ("I Never Wear White," "Fool's Complaint") with more introspective ("Portrait of the Knight of Wands," "Silver Bridge."). The outlier on the album is "Don't Uncork What You Can't Contain," a quirky rocker that doesn't quite gel with the surrounding tracks. In sum, an exceptionally enjoyable album that becomes more rewarding with repeated listening. (Amanuensis Productions, Feb 18, 2014). Preview/buy the album at Amazon
Opening with the irresistible "Any Weather," co-written by Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, Unvarnished features many hallmarks of a classic Blackhearts album, but offers some departures as well. Familiar elements include driving guitars, call-and-response with the Blackhearts' backing vocals, strategic keyboards, and Jett's inimitable sneer, particularly on "TMI," and "Bad as We Can Be." These are complemented by a number of songs with more reflective lyrics. The emotional heart of the album is "Different," offering solace and solidarity to those who don't fit in, as well as tracks addressing mortality ("Hard to Grow Up," "Fragile"), loneliness ("Everybody Needs a Hero"), and social commentary ("Reality Mentality") which illustrate Jett's broadening lyrical palette. (Blackheart Records, Sep 30, 2013). Preview/buy the album
Amazon
Blush's third album is a nicely varied mix of styles and tempos that keep the listener consistently engaged. Highlights include "Wildest Dreams," "Real," and the torturous "Derranged." Includes some production by Paul Sampson (The Primitives, Catatonia). Previous projects Blush leader Cary Lord has participated in include Armalite and
She's the Leader.
The video for Wildest Dreams is available
here. Another win for Coventry. (Aug 31, 2013). Preview/buy the album at Sonar Records or Amazon
Despite it's amazing visuals, it is the soundtrack to Disney's holiday blockbuster, Frozen, that gives the film its power. Featuring the Oscar-winning "Let it Go," heard emanating continuously from headphones, car stereos, stip malls and smart phones, complemented by a larger than usual contingent of memorable songs, including "Do You Want to Build a Snowman," "For the First Time in Forever," "Love is an Open Door," and "Fixer Upper." (Nov 25, 2013). Preview/buy the soundtrack at Amazon
2013 Releases
2012 Releases
Tori Amos: Gold Dust (Deutsche Grammophon, 2012)
2011 Releases
Tori Amos: Night of Hunters (Deutsche Grammophon, 2011)
2010 Releases
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The Flatmates: You Held My Heart 7" single (2013)
The last Flatmates single was Heaven Knows in 1988. After 25 years songwriter Martin Whitehead and original drummer Rocker reformed the band, adding Verity Longley on bass and Brian Price on drums. along with new vocalist Lisa Bouvier when Deb Haynes declined to resume performing. "You Held My Heart" retains the indie charm of the original Flatmates, featuring a fast beat, trebly distorted guitars, "oh-oh-oh-oh" backing vocals, and a lyrical focus on romantic desperation. The B-side, "One Last Kiss" nicely complements the A-side, continuing the theme of romantic tragedy. A worthy return to form. (Archdeacon of Pop Records, Aug 23, 2013). Available through Bandcamp.com.
The Merry Wives of Windsor: Buy Yourself Another album (2013) A slight step down from the Wives' excellent Bottoms Up (2011), Buy Yourself Another is nonetheless a heady mix of bawdy fun and finely played traditional songs in a Renaissance Faire vein. Highlights include "The Hungry Sea," the songwriting debut of long-time Wife Elizabeth Otis-Lorusso. (CD Baby, Mar 16, 2013). Preview/buy the album at
Amazon
Hot on the heels of their Echoes and Rhymes album of obscure covers by female vocalists, The Primitives issued Lose the Reason, one of the best singles of their career. Featuring a rare dual-vocal call-and-response performance from Tracy and Paul Court, the title track is everything a great Primitives single is known for: first rate production, energetic performances, a lethal hook, and Court's sardonic lyrics. The B-side, "Always Coming Back," an undulating spider-and-the-fly/moth-to-the-flame tale. (Elefant Records, Feb 18, 2013). Preview/buy the single at Amazon
The strength of Northern Lights & Southern Skies lies in its diversity of styles. Opening with "Across the Sky," a melodic track worthy of being a single, the album showcases the band's ability to play tender meditations ("From the Start"), pulsating synth-driven meltdowns ("Our Apocalypse"), and perfect pop ("Time Will Only Tell"), ranging into more experimental territory toward the end of the album ("Test Drive the Other Side"). The complex production and instrumental landscapes created by Jason Shields and Kevin Trevino are first rate, creating the ideal backdrop for Julie Shields' achingly pure vocals. Creative videos for "Across the Sky," "Our Apocalypse," and "Time Will Only Tell" complement a stellar release. (Vespera Records, Jan 15, 2013). Preview/buy the album at Amazon
While many covers albums make obvious choices, seeking to score an easy hit with a radio-friendly retread, The Primitives, characteristically, chart a different course. Choosing a truly obscure set of songs originated by female vocalists, the album does not always sound like the Primitives as we have known them. Some of the tracks were previewed on single releases, including German duo Adam and Eve's "The Witch" (available as a download), Sue Lyon's "Turn Off the Moon" from the 1962 film Lolita. A few of the artists are familiar, though the tracks chosen are not well known, including Jackie DeShannon's "Till You Say You'll Be Mine," Nico's "I'm Not Sayin'," Sandy Posey's "Single Girl," and Shocking Blue's "Time Slips Away." The other artists and tracks are largely unknown outside specialized circles: "Panic" by Reparata & the Delrons, "Move It On Over" by LeGrand Mellon, "Sunshine in My Rainy Day Mind" by Polly Niles, "I Surrender" by Bonnie St. Claire, "Amoureux D'une Affiche" by Laura Ulmer, "Where Will You Be?" by Dana Gillespie, "Who Are You Trying to Fool?"by Little Ann, and "Wild Flower" by She Trinity. (Elefant, Apr 23, 2012). Preview/buy the album at
Amazon
Berlin: Animal (Something-Music/Fontana, 2013)
Belinda Carlisle: Live from Metropolis Studios (Edsel, 2013)
Belinda Carlisle: Icon collection (Geffen, 2013)
Lisa Germano: No Elephants (Badman Recording Co., 2013)
Girlschool: The Very Best of Girlschool (Sanctuary, 2013)
Julianna Hatfield: Wild Animals (Ye Olde Records, 2013)
Indigo Girls: The Essential Indigo Girls (Epic, 2013)
Letters to Cleo: From Boston Massachusetts (Dot Rat, 2013)
Lene Lovich
Lydia Lunch: Retrovirus live (ugEXPLODE, 2013)
Lydia Lunch: Taste Our Voodoo with Philippe Petit (Rustblade, 2013)
Lydia Lunch: Medusa's Bed with Zahra Mani/Mia Zabelka (Monotype Records, 2013)
Kirsty MacColl: A New England: The Best of Kirsty MacColl CD/DVD (Union Square Music, 2013)
Mazzy Star: Seasons of Your Day (Rhymes of an Hour Records, 2013)
Sarah McLachlan: The Essential Sarah McLachlan (RCA, 2013)
Talulah Gosh: Was It Just a Dream? (Damaged Goods, 2013)
Tegan and Sara: Heartthrob (Vapor, 2013)
Throwing Muses: Purgatory/Paradise (The Friday Project, 2013)
Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Mosquito (Modular, 2013)
No Doubt: Push and Shove album, September 25, 2012.
Buy album
Tender Trap: Ten Songs About Girls album, September 10, 2012.
Buy CD
Patti Smith: Banga album, June 1, 2012. Buy CD
Loreena McKennitt: Troubadours on the Rhine live album, February 27, 2012.
Buy CD
Sinead O'Connor: How About I Be Me (And You Be You)? album, February 21, 2012. Buy CD
45 Grave: Pick Your Poison (Frontier, 2012)
Garbage: Not Your Kind of People (Stun Volume, 2012)
Garbage: The Absolute Collection (Liberator/Stun Volume, 2012)
Nina Hagen: In My World 3-CD (Polydor, 2012)
Juliana Hatfield: Juliana Hatfield (Ye Olde Records, 2012)
Penelope Houston: On Market Street (Glitterhouse Records, 2012)
Loreena McKennitt: Troubadours on the Rhine live (Quinlan Road, 2012)
No Doubt: Push and Shove (Interscope, 2012)
The Primitives: Echoes and Rhymes (Elefant Records, 2012)
Shonen Knife: Pop Tune (P-Vine 2012)
Patti Smith: Banga (Columbia, 2012)
Tender Trap: Ten Songs About Girls (Fortuna Pop!, 2012)
Nina Hagen:Volksbeat album, November 11, 2011. Buy CD
The Motels: Apocalypso album, August 9, 2011. Buy CD
Wendy James: I Came Here to Blow Minds CD album, March, 2011. Buy CD
PJ Harvey: Let England Shake album, released February 14, 2011. Buy CD
Bananarama: The Collection (Music Club Deluxe, 2011)
Bangles: Sweetheart of the Sun (Model Music Group/Down Kiddie, 2011)
Sophie Ellis-Bextor: Make a Scene (Douglas Valentine Limited, 2011)
Blondie: Panic of Girls (Five Seven Music, 2011)
Kate Bush: Director's Cut (Fish People, 2011), 50 Words for Snow (Fish People, 2011)
Ani Difranco: Which Side Are You On? (2011)
Girlschool: Hit and Run - Revisited (UDR, 2011)
Nina Hagen: Volksbeat (Koch, 2011)
PJ Harvey: Let England Shake (Island, 2011)
Juliana Hatfield: There's Always Another Girl (Ye Olde Records, 2011)
Anne-Marie Hurst album: Day of All Days (2011)
Indigo Girls: Beauty Queen Sister (Vanguard, 2011)
Wendy James: I Came Here to Blow Minds (Cobraside, 2011)
Grace Jones: Hurricane - Dub (Wall of Sound, 2011)
The Motels: Apocalypso (Omnivore, 2011)
The Muffs: Kaboodle (Lemon Recordings, 2011)
Sinead O'Connor: Essential (EMI, 2011)
Jane Siberry: Meshach Dreams Back (SR, 2011)
Patti Smith: Live in France 2004 (Immortal, 2011)
Patti Smith Outside Society (Arista/Columbia, 2011)
Patti Smith: The Arista Years 1975/2000 (Sony/BMG, 2011)
Loreena McKennitt: The Wind That Shakes the Barley album, November 16, 2010. Buy CD
Wendy James: I Came Here to Blow Minds digitial album, October, 2010. Buy CD
Liz Phair: Funstyle album, July 3, 2010. Buy CD
Go Sailor: Long Distance (Alternate Mix) 7" single, May, 2010.
Natalie Imbruglia: Come to Life album, April 26, 2010. Buy CD
Martha + the Muffins: Delicate album, February 2, 2010. Buy CD
