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Invincible Shield (LP)

Judas Priest
Fresh blood from the metal band that’s been going strong for 50 years! If you love Judas Priest and trad metal, these guys are still doing what they do, and doing it well. Read more

Mi Amor

Pür Royale
Shameless plug for the new record on my label, Must Have Records (because it is a must have). Sleazy, tough, sensual SP-1200 produced latin house from 1993. Produced by unsung Long Beach hero (and engineer on "The Chronic) Greg Royal. Tough bassline, erotic, a no brainer. Read more

No. 90009

Wax
Another sensitive techno banger from René Pawlowitz, a man of many names, but mostly known as Shed. One of the few active European producers I'll always check out, Shed rarely misses and this is no exception. Read more

Brutus (LP)

Specter
Chicago O.G. Specter has been quietly producing some of the best and most interesting underground house music since 2001. His latest LP on Theo Parrish's Sound Signature, a tribute to his beloved dog, Brutus, marks yet another evolution of his sound. Drawing on abstract techno, and even ambient influences Spec once again makes it clear that no one else can do it quite like he does. One for the heads, shoulders, knees, and toes. Read more

What's for Breakfast? (CD)

Dent May
Excellent pop with extremely strong melodies and a varied sound palette. Read more

The Story of the Bee Gees (Book)

Bob Stanley
Compelling tale of the very odd Gibb brothers and their music. Though I had a mild interest in the group before I read it, the book converted me into a superfan. Stanley, a member of the great British band Saint Etienne, is an engaging and witty writer. Read more

Hey Panda (LP)

The High Llamas
Long-running group continues to add nuance to their brand of Brian Wilson-style pastoral pop. This album features some modern production elements like auto-tuned vocals and sub-bass atop their default sound. Not as immediate as their other work, but this one really grew on me. Read more

Coast 2 Coast (LP)

Pearl & the Oysters
Catchy and warm melodic goodness from French ex-pats living in L.A. Though a bit more groove-orientated, their sound is not dissimilar to Stereolab's best work (and former 'Lab singer Laetitia Sadier even makes an appearance). Read more

MLEM: Space Agency (Other)

Reiner Knizia (Designer)
Send cat astronauts into deep space in this whimsical push-your-luck game. Clever game mechanics keep everyone invested in every turn. Everyone I've taught this to has loved it! Read more

The Abyss, True Lies, Aliens,Pat Garrett and Billy The KId

James Cameron,Sam Peckinpaugh
Game over, man! Read more

Gilles Zeitschiff (LP)

The Cosmic Jokers
AKA The Cosmic Couriers, Timothy Leary's acid test Euro pals & collaborators. This record is essentially a collage of recordings made in early 1973 with Gille Lettmann aka "Sternenmadchen/Starmaiden" narrating over the music. Think Marshall McLuhan or Darkthrone's bonus disc with narration. It's a love it or hate project that just works as a trippy Kraut Rock time capsule. Read more

Tropicale: When La Dolce Vita discovered Exotica, Calypso, Mambo, Samba & other tropical rhythms (1959-1969) (LP)

Various
A nice spin on the classic Italian Library/Soundtrack era. No space age knob turning or car chase jazz. The sound stays with the faux world exotica vibe and is far more upbeat than the usually moody going down the jungle river about to be eaten by headhunters feel. Umiliani, Morricone, Piccioni, Trovajoli, etc. Sunny day drinking record. Read more

Seychelles (LP)

Masayoshi Takanaka
I never really imagined this would be reissued in the states. Then again never thought this would be internet algorithm interest? I always dug the Sadistic Mika Band LP’s that were common budget bin titles especially the trak “Time Machine” with Takanka on guitar. Seychelles occupies a similar weird music space not quite yacht rock & not quite fern bar jazz but a guitar salad all its own. Read more

Sa-Re-Ga Machan (LP)

Ananda Shankar
Originally released in the early 80’s but really sounding more like a 70s effort, continuing with his East meets West sound. The psychedelic feel is abandoned in favor of a playful Exotica take. Obviously not your Quiet Village variety but if you’re down with Yma Sumac’s “Miracle” this is the jam. Listen to the track “Night in the Forest” & may the Tiki Gods be with you. Read more

Gincho Wataridori (LP)

Meiko Kaji
Late night lounge music with an abundance of danger and sexy. You should also watch the related movies. Read more

But Who's Gonna Play the Melody? (CD)

Edgar Meyer / Christian

Just some flat out great upright bass playing--bowed, plucked, swung, thumped, and growled.

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The Colours of My Life: A Cy Coleman Songbook (CD)

Janis Siegel & Yaron

Sometimes I recognize the tune, sometimes not; it's obviously a deep and accomplished repertoire. "Witchcraft," sure. "Playboy's Theme"? Maybe not. It's a fresh and engaging presentation, though.

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The Magic City (LP)

Meshell Ndegeocello

I'm not too familiar with Sun Ra's music--of which this is part of the Red, Hot & Ra series of records--but the mix of Ra's spaciness with Ndegeocello's earthy funk sounds good to me.

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Rectangles and Circumstance (LP)

Caroline Shaw / So Percussion

The art song, if it were written by a modern composer using literary references, with an empathetic ensemble that incorporates weird instrumentation and multitracking. Kind of where Laurie Anderson might have wound up if she maintained a regular group.

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Cloudward (LP)

Mary Halvorson

Halvorson's writing and playing are precise and inventive, and the musicians know how to make the most of what they're given. They execute their demanding parts, but when they get their solos, it's off to the races!

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