Now Shipping: Our Fall Releases (Part 2) November 06, 2015
Ending the year strong with a diverse set of massive beginnings.
Scientist has been a pioneering figure in the world of dub for nearly 40 years. His debut LP, Introducing Scientist - The Best Dub Album In The World, was originally released on JB Music in 1980. Ten classic tracks featuring Sly & Robbie, recorded at Channel One Studio and mixed at King Tubby's. The very best indeed.
Harry Pussy emerged out of the Florida swamps in 1993. Originally released on Siltbreeze, their self-titled debut album is an absurd and devastating statement. Twenty-plus years later, rock'n'roll's collective ears are still ringing. Recommended for fans of The Dead C, Royal Trux and Mars. New liner notes by David Keenan.
Ilitch is the moniker of Parisian multi-instrumentalist and NWW-list inductee Thierry Muller. His 1978 debut, Periodikmindtrouble, was a shot across the bow for the French underground scene. 10 Suicides, Muller's art-damaged follow-up with distorted guitars and androgynous vocals, still sounds years ahead of its time. Recommended for fans of Fripp/Eno, Heldon and Chris & Cosey. First-time vinyl reissues.
Pre-orders shipping immediately. In stores everywhere on November 27th.
Now Shipping: Our Fall Releases (Part 1) October 02, 2015
Shipping this week, an overlooked minimalist masterpiece and a trio of outsider pop essentials.
Ellen Fullman's debut LP is the first document of her self-made instrument. The Long String Instrument conjures an enchanting drone and dissolves into organ-like overtones and otherworldly textures. This first-time reissue is recommended for fans of Pauline Oliveros, Charlemagne Palestine and Harry Bertoia.
L. Voag recorded his 1979 solo debut during the waning days of his time in The Homosexuals. As Steven Stapleton from Nurse With Wound states perfectly, The Way Out is "a classic of bric-a-brac nonconformity." This first-time vinyl reissue is recommended for fans of Desperate Bicycles, This Heat and Mark Perry.
Milk From Cheltenham released their sole album on famed UK DIY imprint It's War Boys in 1983. Drawing from basement tapes and studio sessions, A Triptych Of Poisoners runs the gamut from jerky post-punk to cut-up collage. This first-time vinyl reissue is recommended for fans of Swell Maps, The Faust Tapes, and LAFMS.
Departmentstore Santas' only release is an elusive '80s cult classic. Originally pressed in just 500 copies, At The Medieval Castle Nineteen 100-Year Lifetimes Since features quirky sing-alongs, wide-eyed lyrics and echoey instrumentals. This first-time reissue is recommended for fans of Television Personalities, Guided By Voices and Cleaners From Venus.
Fall 2015 Releases (Part 2) September 18, 2015
Our last batch of releases for the year is our most diverse yet! Spanning minimalism, dub, noise, electronics and punk.
Recorded during Ellen Fullman's 1985 residency at Het Apollohuis, The Long String Instrument LP documents the composer's self-made instrument of long strings and remains a major contribution to the histories of sound sculpture and minimalist composition. Recommended for fans of Pauline Oliveros, Charlemagne Palestine and Harry Bertoia. Pre-order here.
Scientist's 1980 debut LP, Introducing Scientist - The Best Dub Album in the World, lives up to its boastful title. Recorded with Sly & Robbie at Channel One Studio and mixed at King Tubby's, the album features hypnotic basslines, reverb-drenched keyboards, and fluid, start-stop rhythms. Ten classic tracks showcasing the very best of the dub form. Pre-order here.
Obliterating the lines between hardcore, noise and free jazz, the unclassifiable Harry Pussy were at once all of those things and none of them. Originally released on Siltbreeze in 1993, their self-titled debut LP reveals an antagonistic and visceral approach to music: Adris Hoyos' self-taught, wild-style drums and shrouded screams tangling with Bill Orcutt's high tension blues guitar. Pre-order here.
In the mid-1970s Parisian composer and multi-instrumentalist Thierry Muller began operating primarily under the Ilitch moniker. His debut album, Periodikmindtrouble, features gritty tape-loops, analog synth swells and angst-ridden guitars, while 10 Suicides explores a more art-damaged pop sensibility. These first-time vinyl reissues are recommended for fans of Fripp/Eno, Heldon and Chris & Cosey. Pre-order the first album here and the second album here.
San Francisco's The Avengers are classic '77 punk. As Byron Coley writes, "The Avengers were a no-hyphen-required punk band of the most basic and brilliant variety." Their first and only LP (better known as The Pink Album) remains their definitive statement – collecting their Dangerhouse EP, sessions recorded with Sex Pistols' Steve Jones and a half-dozen revelatory demos. Pre-order here.
Now Shipping: Liquid Liquid August 14, 2015
Liquid Liquid emerged from New York City's vibrant Downtown scene in 1981. Their three EPs, all originally released on the legendary 99 Records, would heavily influence dance-oriented indie rock of the early aughts (LCD Soundsystem, DFA Records, et al.)
Superior Viaduct is honored to present these first-time vinyl reissues of Liquid Liquid's classic records (self-titled, Successive Reflexes, and Optimo) in their original 12-inch format as well as an archival LP of rare recordings by the pre-LL bands, Liquid Idiot and Idiot Orchestra. Get all four records in our special-priced vinyl bundle.
Also, we made a limited run of Liquid Liquid t-shirts. Get the shirt here (while supplies last).
Now Shipping: Avengers CD August 10, 2015
Originally released in 1983, four years after the band's dissolution, The Avengers' self-titled LP is often referred to as "The Pink Album" for its magenta-hued cover design. Frontwoman Penelope Houston's iconic voice and razor-sharp lyrics resonate on anthems "We Are The One" and "The American In Me." This CD release features the original album tracks and 16-page booklet of photos and ephemera with new liner notes by Byron Coley. Get it here
Also, if you are in UK or Germany this Summer, be sure to check out The Avengers on tour. Dates listed here.
Fall 2015 Releases (Part 1) July 23, 2015
Our first batch of Fall releases revels in the fractured, outsider pop of the late '70s and early '80s.
The Way Out, 1979 solo debut from the Homosexuals bassist Jim Welton (a.k.a. L. Voag), attempts to cross over "obscure, nigh impenetrable" pop music with "best-selling, chart-topping" avant-garde. This first-time vinyl reissue includes a bonus 7-inch of the rare Move EP and is recommended for fans of Desperate Bicycles, This Heat and Mark Perry. Pre-order here.
Milk From Cheltenham hailed from Deptford (South-East London). Their sole album, A Triptych Of Poisoners, originally released in 1983 on famed DIY imprint It's War Boys, mines basement tapes and studio sessions, intersplicing a cornucopia of exotic instruments with a pastiche of truly bizarre samples. This first-time vinyl reissue is recommended for fans of Swell Maps, The Faust Tapes and LAFMS. Pre-order here.
Meanwhile in La Mesa, California, some five-thousand nautical miles away, Departmentstore Santas were recording their sole LP. Self-released by this mysterious band in 1984, At The Medieval Castle Nineteen 100-Year Lifetimes Since is an underground rock classic of the highest order, uncannily anticipating the 4-track movement of the '90s. This first-time reissue is recommended for fans of Television Personalities, Guided By Voices and Cleaners From Venus. Pre-order here.
Now Shipping: Alice Coltrane's Universal Consciousness June 26, 2015
Originally released on Impulse! in 1971, Universal Consciousness is a major turning point in Alice Coltrane's momentous career. While her previous albums pushed the limits of spiritual free jazz and featured much of her late husband's band, Universal Consciousness expands the harpist / pianist's compositional palette with organ and strings (working with Ornette Coleman).
Coming Soon: The Avengers' Pink Album June 22, 2015
In the late '70s, The Avengers established themselves as one of the US's preeminent punk bands. Fusing incisive guitar hooks, explosive rhythms and adolescent venom, the group forged some of the most in-your-face songs of the era.
The Pink Album remains The Avengers' definitive statement – collecting their classic Dangerhouse EP, sessions recorded with Sex Pistols' Steve Jones and a half-dozen revelatory demos. While much has been written about The Avengers in the past three decades, rock critic Greil Marcus puts it succinctly, "The word I always come back to is mystical, and that remains almost theirs alone."
This CD release features the original album tracks and 16-page booklet of photos and ephemera with new liner notes by Byron Coley.
Free Shipping Until June 30th June 19, 2015
2015 is either half gone or half started, depending on your point of view. SV has definitely reached the halfway point: 15 releases so far this year and another 15 or so to come. Now is your chance to catch up on our catalogue.
Until the end of June, our site has free shipping on all orders within the US. (Sorry, international friends.) Just enter coupon code June2015_FreeShipping during checkout.
Enjoy the Summer and safe travels!
Upcoming Concert: Jon Gibson June 01, 2015
Since the mid-1960s, Jon Gibson has played a key role in the development of American avant-garde music. His expertise on woodwind instruments made Gibson a go-to collaborator in Steve Reich's, Philip Glass', and La Monte Young's ensembles, but less known are his remarkable contributions as a composer and visual artist. In support of the recent reissue of his 1973 debut album Visitations, Gibson performs the title piece along with percussionist William Winant.
Saturday, June 27th
at The Lab, San Francisco
Doors 8:30pm / Music 9pm
21 and over, $20
Pre-sale tickets sold out. More tickets available at the door.
If you purchased advance tickets, we have a Will Call list.
Photos by Roberto Masotti.
Now Shipping: Areski / Brigitte Fontaine and ZNR May 15, 2015
Shipping this week, two mid-'70s French albums that couldn't be more different, yet equally divine.
Originally released in 1973, Je Ne Connais Pas Cet Homme is the first record billed under both Areski and Brigitte Fontaine. Mercurial and remarkably intimate – as if listeners are beckoned into their strange and beautiful world.
ZNR's 1976 debut, Barricade 3, is an anti-pop masterpiece with Erik Satie-esque compositions, gorgeous electronics and genuinely bizarre vocals. Original gatefold design includes illustration by Don Van Vliet.
Coming Soon: Liquid Liquid May 01, 2015
Liquid Liquid emerged from New York City's vibrant Downtown scene in 1981. The group cut their teeth in underground clubs and street art circles before solidifying their trailblazing style – a fusion of irresistible basslines, junkyard percussion and urgent, free-flowing lyrics. Their three EPs, all originally released on legendary 99 Records, would heavily influence dance-oriented indie rock of the early aughts (LCD Soundsystem, DFA Records, et al.).
Rarely are bands so completely of their era and, at the same time, truly ahead of it. Superior Viaduct is honored to present these first-time vinyl reissues of Liquid Liquid's classic records (self-titled, Successive Reflexes, and Optimo) in their original 12-inch format as well as an archival LP of rare recordings by the pre-LL bands, Liquid Idiot and Idiot Orchestra.
Photo by Kishi Yamamoto.
Now Shipping: Jon Gibson's Visitations April 22, 2015
Jon Gibson has played a key role in the development of American avant-garde music since the mid-1960s – as a frequent collaborator with Terry Riley, Steve Reich, Philip Glass, and La Monte Young. Visitations, his debut album, originally appeared on the Chatham Square imprint in 1973. Two side-long tracks span organic field recordings, ambient flutes and synth, and free-flowing textures.
This first-time vinyl reissue is recommended for fans of Cluster, Harold Budd and Phill Niblock.
Shipping Next Week: Punk Singles April 10, 2015
Shipping our punk singles next week! All are limited edition color vinyl and quickly selling out.
We have THE RESIDENTS' "loose, belligerent, violent and truly fucked-up" take on the Stones' "Satisfaction" as well as debuts by the inexplicably brilliant GERMS and the perfectly punk DILS. First versions of "Adult Books" and "We're Desperate" reveal X's raw talent for sincere songwriting and stripped-down rock n' roll, while FLIPPER's chorus-less and catchy-as-hell debut will make you "all gushy and wet."
Buy individual titles right here or get them all in our special-priced vinyl bundle.
Now Shipping: MINGUS March 12, 2015
We here at Superior Viaduct are super excited to be reissuing two classic albums by CHARLES MINGUS, one of the most radical figures in American music.
The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady is without question MINGUS' magnum opus. Balancing delicate Spanish modes and Ellingtonian themes, the ensemble breaks into a divine cacophony of group improvisation on par with free jazz giants Ornette Coleman or Cecil Taylor.
On Mingus Plays Piano, the only album to feature MINGUS on his instrument of choice for composing, trance-like solo piano musings reveal a tenderness rarely associated with the man and his music.
Pre-orders shipping immediately. In stores everywhere on March 17th.
PS/IBC Release Party Thanks March 06, 2015
We had a blast at the PINK SECTION and INFLATABLE BOY CLAMS release party last weekend. It was packed with great performances by both bands – their first-time playing together in 34 years! – that included original members Matt Heckert, Judy Gittelsohn, Stephen Wymore, Carol Detweiler, and JoJo Planteen.
Special thanks to the Steven Wolf gallery for hosting, Peter Conheim for handling sound duties, and everyone who came out.
If you didn't pick up the limited edition t-shirts that were made just for this event, we have a few leftover.
Get them here (while supplies last).
PINK SECTION live at Steven Wolf Fine Arts, San Francisco.
JoJo and Judy from INFLATABLE BOY CLAMS performing "I'm Sorry."
Carol and JoJo from INFLATABLE BOY CLAMS.
2015 Punk Singles February 20, 2015
Superior Viaduct is releasing five limited edition singles on the same day. All from California in the late '70s / early '80s and each devastatingly unique. Pressed on color vinyl and available this April.
We have THE RESIDENTS' unhinged take on "Satisfaction," THE GERMS' inexplicably brilliant first single, THE DILS' melodic and perfectly punk "I Hate The Rich," early versions of "Adult Books" and "We're Desperate" by Los Angeles' mighty X, and (last but not least) FLIPPER's art-damaged mocking of suburbia.
Get them all in our special-priced vinyl bundle.
Release Party: PINK SECTION / INFLATABLE BOY CLAMS February 06, 2015
Celebrating the release of PINK SECTION and INFLATABLE BOY CLAMS records, we are having a listening party in SF.
With a live performance by PINK SECTION! Plus, special guests.
Free and all ages.
Saturday, February 28th @ 7pm
Steven Wolf Fine Arts
2747 19th Street, San Francisco
Now Shipping: Our First Releases of 2015 January 30, 2015
During one of WIRE's extended hiatuses, B.C. GILBERT / G. LEWIS joined forces for a series of experimental projects. Originally released on 4AD in 1980, their album 3R4 takes the "studio as instrument" concept to cinematic heights. They return to more song-based territory on the single Ends With The Sea. These first-time reissues provide a vital glimpse into the creative forces that even a band as daring and inventive as WIRE could not contain.
PINK SECTION and INFLATABLE BOY CLAMS emerged from the vibrant San Francisco art punk scene of the late ’70s and early ’80s. While PINK SECTION produced an unusual brand of off-kilter post-punk (collected on this first-time retrospective LP), INFLATABLE BOY CLAMS recorded one of the greatest all-female art punk records ever made, a wrongfully obscure five-song double 7-inch EP reissued here for the first time.
Records Records Records January 16, 2015
A couple years ago SV opened a brick-and-mortar store in Oakland, called Stranded. To kick off the new year, we decided to start selling some of our favorite LPs released on other labels in our online shop. This is just a small selection of what we have in stock. Every month we will add more, so keep your eyes open.
And be sure to visit us at Stranded the next time you're in the Bay Area!
Now Shipping: La Planète Sauvage OST December 10, 2014
For animated sci-fi masterpiece La Planète Sauvage (a.k.a. Fantastic Planet), composer ALAIN GORAGUER creates a hypnotic score from a palette of effects-laden guitars, flutes, Fender Rhodes and strings. While the lush arrangements are reminiscent of GORAGUER's collaborations with Serge Gainsbourg in the 1960s, space-age synth flourishes suggest a more psychedelic era.
We still have the limited edition translucent blue vinyl plus 24" x 36" poster (while supplies last).
Now Shipping: ELECTRIC EELS December 05, 2014
Cleveland's electric eels (all lower case in homage to poet e.e. cummings) is America's quintessential proto-punk band. As Jon Savage writes in the liner notes, "There is something heroic about the eels' isolation and uncompromising attitude: a fierceness that you can hear in these songs that still resonates in a different time and world."
Die Electric Eels collects their best material from 1975 including their classic Rough Trade single Agitated which blazed a trail for high-art, low-concept rock. Superior Viaduct also presents a first-time reissue of the group's second single, Spin Age Blasters / Bunnies, in a limited edition of 1,000 copies. Get the LP here and Get the 7-inch here.
Cyber Monday Sale December 01, 2014
Hello viaduct-ologists!
SV has 20% off all releases today! That's for any orders of vinyl, CDs, t-shirts, etc. (Sorry, discount does not work for pre-orders.) Offer expires tonight at midnight (Pacific time zone).
Simply apply the discount code SV20141201 during check-out.
Go to our latest releases right here.
Now Shipping: PIP PROUD LPs November 20, 2014
In the late '60s, PIP PROUD recorded two of the oddest records ever to come out of Australia – Adreneline & Richard and A Bird In The Engine – before vanishing into obscurity for the better part of three decades. Often called the "Australian Syd Barrett," yet PROUD actually released his second album in 1969, a year prior to The Madcap Laughs, and developed his indigenous psychedelia in virtual isolation.
While other compilations of PROUD's music have been released in recent years, this is the first time Adreneline & Richard and A Bird In The Engine have been reissued in their original format.
Recommended for fans of outsider and lo-fi pop from US, UK, NZ and beyond.
Now Shipping: BRANCA's The Ascension November 14, 2014
Originally released in 1981 on 99 Records, GLENN BRANCA's first full-length album The Ascension effectively tears down the genre-ghettos between 20th century avant-garde and ecstatic rock 'n' roll. Chiming, shimmering tones unfold into sinister drone-territory à la Tony Conrad, while abrasive guitars and repetitive beats retain the raw primitivism of No Wave.
With artist Robert Longo's stark front cover that depicts BRANCA battling an unidentified man, The Ascension is a must-have record not only for fans of early Swans and Sonic Youth, but also of Steve Reich or Slint’s Tweez.
New Records for the New Year October 31, 2014
It's only Halloween, but we're already excited about next year. Our first batch of 2015 releases comes out in February and they have a nice mirror-image of LPs vs. singles / black-and-white vs. color.
During one of WIRE's extended hiatuses, B.C. GILBERT / G. LEWIS joined forces for a series of experimental projects. Originally released on 4AD in 1980, their album 3R4 takes the "studio as instrument" concept to cinematic heights. They return to more song-based territory on the single Ends With The Sea. These first-time reissues provide a vital glimpse into the creative forces that even a band as daring and inventive as WIRE could not contain. Pre-order LP here and Pre-order 7-inch here.
Named after San Francisco Chronicle's pink-hued arts and entertainment guide, PINK SECTION came out of SF's rich and fleetingly art punk scene, producing an unusual brand of off-kilter post-punk against a backdrop of Dadaist aesthetics. This first-time retrospective LP collects the group's rare 1979 single, the self-titled EP, unreleased demos and live material. Preorder LP here.
More of a performance art troupe than a traditional rock band, INFLATABLE BOY CLAMS recorded one of the greatest all-female art punk records ever made, a wrongfully obscure double 7-inch EP which has garnered a cult following ever since its initial release in 1981. This first-time reissue is co-presented by Superior Viaduct and Subterranean Records. Pre-order double 7-inch here.
Announcing THE FLESH EATERS Mini-Tour October 27, 2014
THE FLESH EATERS just announced a mini-tour to celebrate the reissue of their era-defining statement A Minute To Pray A Second To Die on vinyl and CD.
The shows will feature the A Minute To Pray line-up with Chris D. on vocals, John Doe on bass, Dave Alvin on guitar, Bill Bateman on drums, DJ Bonebrake on marimbas and drums, and Steve Berlin on sax. This line-up played only a handful of shows, all in Los Angeles, in the spring and summer of 1981. They reunited in 2006 for All Tomorrow's Parties and played three shows in California. Nine years later, in January 2015, they have once again gotten back together to perform four shows in California.
Tour Dates:
- January 8th - Santa Ana (The Observatory)
- January 9th - San Francisco (Great American Music Hall)
- January 10th - Los Angeles (Echoplex)
- January 11th - San Diego (The Casbah)
- January 13th - Seattle (Neumos) - with Mudhoney
Photo by David Arnoff.
Now Shipping: Youth In Mourning October 15, 2014
PHILIP JOHNSON, a lost figure in the dark waters of early industrial music, self-released over 25 tapes starting in the late '70s. As a part of the "cassette culture" in the UK, he produced ethereal soundscapes, damaged electronics and undanceable drum patterns, along with homemade j-cards.
For his first and only LP, 1982's Youth In Mourning, JOHNSON further refined his approach with mesmerizing audio collages and Mark-E-Smith-ian vocals to make one of the most unique documents of the era.
This first-time reissue comes from the original master tapes. Recommended for fans of CABARET VOLTAIRE, John Bender and THE SHADOW RING.
Fall 2014 Releases (Part 2) September 19, 2014
Our second batch of Fall releases is all over the map ... in a good way.
For animated sci-fi masterpiece La Planète Sauvage (a.k.a. Fantastic Planet), composer ALAIN GORAGUER creates a hypnotic score from a palette of effects-laden guitars, flutes, Fender Rhodes and strings. While the lush arrangements are reminiscent of GORAGUER's collaborations with Serge Gainsbourg in the 1960s, space-age synth flourishes suggest a more psychedelic era.
First 500 copies on translucent blue vinyl plus 24" x 36" full-color poster. Mail-order exclusive. Pre-order here.
Originally released in 1981 on 99 Records, GLENN BRANCA's first full-length album The Ascension effectively tears down the genre-ghettos between 20th century avant-garde and ecstatic rock 'n' roll. Chiming, shimmering tones unfold into sinister drone-territory à la Tony Conrad, while abrasive guitars and repetitive beats retain the raw primitivism of No Wave. Pre-order here.
Cleveland's electric eels (all lower case in homage to poet e.e. cummings) is America's quintessential proto-punk band. Die Electric Eels collects their best material from 1975 including their classic Rough Trade single Agitated which blazed a trail for high-art, low-concept rock. Superior Viaduct also presents a first-time reissue of the group's second single, Spin Age Blasters / Bunnies, in a limited edition of 1,000 copies. Pre-order LP here and Pre-order 7-inch here.
Lost & Found: DEVO Hardcore Deluxe September 18, 2014
We recently moved the SV office and found a box of DEVO's Hardcore deluxe bundles. Here's your chance to get the limited edition red vinyl of both Volumes along with 24" x 24" full-color poster. Very few left.
SENSATIONS' FIX: First Live Shows in California September 03, 2014
SENSATIONS' FIX, the legendary astral-folk rock band from Florence, Italy circa the mid-70s, has had a resurgence in recent years. With impressive releases on various imprints (Brooklyn's RVNG Int'l, Vienna's Editions Mego, and Superior Viaduct), singer/guitarist Franco Falsini has attracted fans as diverse as SONIC YOUTH, ARIEL PINK and DJ SHADOW.
For the first time in 40 years, SENSATIONS' FIX performs live in the US.
Saturday, September 6th
Brick & Mortar, San Francisco
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Monday, September 8th
Los Globos, Los Angeles
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PETER JEFFERIES Electricity US Tour August 26, 2014
Unfortunately, Peter Jefferies was denied entry last minute due to a visa issue. Hopefully we can re-schedule for next year. Advance tickets refunded by the venues. We are very sorry, folks.
Hailing from New Plymouth, New Zealand, PETER JEFFERIES helmed legendary post-punk acts NOCTURNAL PROJECTIONS and THIS KIND OF PUNISHMENT throughout the 1980s. Jefferies' ruminative solo debut from 1990, The Last Great Challenge in a Dull World, has drawn comparisons to classic singer-songwriters like Nick Drake and Townes Van Zandt and was named by The Wire magazine as the best reissue of 2013.
For this Fall 2014 tour, his first US shows since 1997, JEFFERIES will be supporting the reissue of his brilliant sophomore album, Electricity, on Superior Viaduct. JEFFERIES' earthy baritone weaves between stripped-down piano and guitar, pulling in listeners to the deep pastoral life of his music.
Fall 2014 Releases (Part 1) August 25, 2014
Our first batch of Fall releases pulls from unique DIY artists hailing from island nations – Oz and England.
In the late '60s, PIP PROUD recorded two of the oddest records ever to come out of Australia – Adreneline & Richard and A Bird In The Engine – before vanishing into obscurity for the better part of three decades. Often called the "Australian Syd Barrett," yet PROUD actually released his second album in 1969, a year prior to The Madcap Laughs, and developed his indigenous psychedelia in virtual isolation. Pre-order here.
PHILIP JOHNSON, a lost figure in the dark waters of early industrial music, self-released over 25 tapes starting in the late '70s. As a part of the "cassette culture" in the UK, he produced ethereal soundscapes, damaged electronics and undanceable drum patterns, along with homemade j-cards. For his first and only LP, 1982's Youth In Mourning, JOHNSON further refined his approach with mesmerizing audio collages and Mark-E-Smith-ian vocals to make one of the most unique documents of the era. Pre-order here.
Now Shipping: CRIME August 15, 2014
San Francisco's first and only rock 'n' roll band, CRIME loomed over the entire Mabuhay Gardens scene with their blistering 1976 single Hot Wire My Heart. For the first time, this LP release collects the sick energy of CRIME's three singles along with nine previously unreleased studio recordings from 1976 to 1980. The visceral churn and unwieldy leads on tracks like "Frustration" and "Piss On Your Dog" make Murder By Guitar the definitive statement from this prescient American underground band.
First 500 copies on translucent red vinyl + special poster. Get it here.
Now Shipping: PETER JEFFERIES and GRUPPO August 12, 2014
Electricity is the brilliant sophomore album by New Zealand legend PETER JEFFERIES' (THIS KIND OF PUNISHMENT, NOCTURNAL PROJECTIONS, etc.). With guest appearances from heavyweights in the NZ music scene (STRAITJACKET FITS' Shayne Carter, PLAGAL GRIND's Robbie Muir and THE DEAD C's Bruce Russell), Electricity has garnered a cult following among fans, yet the songs possess a singular quality – every note, utterance and flourish reflect back to JEFFERIES alone. This first-time vinyl reissue includes four bonus tracks from 1992's Swerve EP and is highly recommended for fans of Flying Nun Records, John Cale and Jim Shepard. Get it here.
Before 1976's benchmark release, Musica Su Schemi, GRUPPO recorded this eponymous album in 1973 (featuring Franco Evangelisti, Egisto Macchi and Ennio Morricone). Whether the passages are jarring or soothing, clamorous or silken, the ensemble retains astounding organic coherence. An ultra-rare entry in GRUPPO's formidable discography, Gruppo d'Improvvisazione Nuova Consonanza is finally reissued for the first time ever. Get it here.
Now Shipping: HELDON and BRIGITTE FONTAINE August 08, 2014
Allez-Téia, the second album by French guitarist Richard Pinhas under the HELDON moniker, was originally released in 1975 on the artist's own Disjuncta imprint. Far from the band's prog-tinged trio lineup, Allez-Téia features a menagerie of guitars, Mellotron and analog synthesizers. The album's heady textures and rhythmic meditations are reminiscent of the German Kosmische movement (CLUSTER, HARMONIA, et al.) and post-rock experimentalists (such as Jim O'Rourke and GASTR DEL SOL). Acoustic guitar even makes a rare appearance – on the beautiful and melancholy "Aphanisis." Get it here.
Never one to settle on a single musical style, BRIGITTE FONTAINE followed up her debut, Est...Folle, and her astonishing collaboration with THE ART ENSEMBLE OF CHICAGO, Comme À La Radio, with the most eclectic release of her lengthy career, 1972's Brigitte Fontaine. It is telling that FONTAINE chose an eponymous title for her third album, the sole release from her venerable '70s catalogue attributed to her alone. Here the actress-cum-singer has finally arrived. Get it here.
