180g Vinyl Pressings-date

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• 050713

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• 050713

Record Store Day 2013 Exclusive! This limited edition release from Shuggie Otis compiles some of the best tracks from three classic albums (Here Comes Shuggie Otis, Freedom Flight and Inspiration Information) on a single slab of wax. This is the perfect place to start for anyone new to Shuggie's sweet, soulful sound, and those already familiar will appreciate having these tracks grouped together on thick, loud 180g vinyl. Check the favorites like "Strawberry Letter 23," "Island Letter," "Aht Uh Mi Head," "Hurricane," and "Baby I Need You." Machine numbered editions with free MP3 download. Recommended.

• 180g vinyl
• free MP3 download
• Record Store Day 2013 exclusive
• music label: Epic / Legacy 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2013

Special mono pressing for Record Store Day 2013! Another great album in Miles Davis' catalog. It's a masterpiece of the hard bop genre and one of the greatest jazz albums of all time. One of the must have records for any jazz collector.

• music label: Legacy / Columbia 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 04/2013

Classico. I knew I had to review this, so I went back home and gave it a full listen with headphone level at damaging levels. I forgot how generally awesome this whole album was. They invented and perfected the mix of stoner anthems and jump-up gangsta tracks. I love how Muggs takes classic drum loops and squeezes the most out of them… a master of drum enhancement. If this was a part of your life in the distant past, you'll be instantly warped back in time with the opening quartet of "I Wanna Get High, I Ain't Goin Out Like That, Insane In The Brain," and "When The Ish Goes Down." High quality double 180 vinyl NUMBERED gatefold edition for Record Store Day 2013.

• music label: Legacy 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Now on heavyweight 180g vinyl! Soothing west coast soul from child guitar prodigy Shuggie Otis. Many compare him to Jimi, Prince, and Sly, but in fact he's a strange blend of them all. This is his third solo album, one that really brought his diverse styles together. At this point Shuggie was working with complex, but simple harmonies and the integration of drum machines. Best heard on "Island Letter" with its heavenly guitar rhythm, and warm drum machine sound. A truly beautiful song. The guitar intro was sampled on Digable Planets first LP. In the same vein "Aht Uh Mi Hed" reminds me of Timmy Thomas' classic drum machine ballad "Why Can't We Live Together." Strangely track 6 marks a switch to a completely instrumental album. The most upbeat track of this side, XL-30, truly shows why Shuggie was seen as a revolutionary songwriter in his time. The organ melodies are so radical, and with the drum machine, it sounds like the 70s version of 80s electro. The album ends with a straight up guitar, live backing track which puts into clear view Shuggie's skills. A truly interesting listen. Not recommended for all, but will be a important find for some.

• music label: Epic 1974

reviewed by the mgmnt

4th solo album from Leroy Hutson circa 1976 Amongst record aficionados, there's a debate whether Hutson I or II is better, but the general consensus seems to gravitate toward the center: both are brilliant, under-appreciated, and classic (and not available on iTunes or Spotify at the time of this review). My experience with these Hutson albums is that first you'll be awed by moments of musical brain pops, then you realize that it's just continuous soul goodness. There isn't a flat spot to be found, even the sleepy instrumental "Situations" is elevated because of its odd, totally uncommercial placement as the 2nd track in the album. Yeah, after listening tracks "Love The Feeling" and "Don't It Make You Feel Good," it'll make you want to put on your best internet-bought shirt and strut around the neighborhood shopping complex. And as a testament to Hutson's production brilliance, you'll continually find new favorite bridges, breakdowns, and lyric snippets for years to come. 180g pressing, recommended.

• music label: Curtom 1976

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Sweet repress of Leroy Hutson's self-titled LP from '75; a masterpiece of unadulterated Chicago soul. Being both an extraordinary singer and producer (he replaced Curtis Mayfield as lead singer of the Impresions in '71 and co-wrote Donny Hathaway's "The Ghetto"), Hutson was able to bring it all together on this album - from the sexy vocals, the smooth production, and the heartfelt songwriting - it all works incredibly well and can be comparable to other soul masters like Marvin, Curtis, Barry, or Isaac. Check out the irresistible grooves of "Lucky Fellow" and "All Because of You" (with that killer intro drum break), slow jams like "So Much Love," or the mellow vibes of "Cool Out" and "Can't Stay Away." Take a cue from the cover and get your fur coat out and the wine glasses ready. While you're at it checkout the equally impressive Leroy Hutson II. Recommended.

• music label: Curtom 2009

reviewed by snackmaster 03/2009

Harlem River Drive, although brief in its existence (this is their only LP), was an important part of musical development led by the guidance of Eddie Palmieri. This record is generally known as the first prominent musical fusion of black and latin musicians and art. Eddie enlisted an all star lineup of local New York Latin musicians with prominent jazz musicians (including Bernard Purdie). The album gained fame through the dancefloors with tracks like the monster Idle Hands and Seeds of Life. The title cut, If, and Broken Home have more of a soul tint to them and truly bring out the gut of the project. Very rare in the original (usually goes for over $100), this album has also been accused the familiar tag, but in my opinion, it's the way you listen to it. Although Purdie and the rhythm section shine on the dance tracks, the album functions more as an excellent study of styles with the quality found in the blend and the message. Yada, yada. Feel it. Limited edition 180 gram vinyl.

• music label: Roulette 2005

reviewed by the mgmnt 10/2005

Over 15 years in the making, MBV is My Bloody Valentine's third album. No need for first person "I have a Loveless tattoo" or post-blog-house journalism piece. Just know that this is good! Or even great. And normally I get a little taken back by expensive vinyl pressings, but I feel like you're getting Kevin Shields' blood mixed into the 180g vinyl. The vinyl was recorded, mixed, and mastered in analogue, why mess it up with some compression? But if you're inclined or lazy, there's a CD version with its own packaging included. Recommended.

• music label: Pickpocket 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

The much anticipated sophomore effort from James Blake is here! Overgrown comes just two years since Blake's breakout debut, and finds the young UK producer delving fully into his sound. The whole album is a intense and introspective experience - even with a guest a verse from the RZA (on "Take A Fall For Me"), there is nothing for the dancefloor here. Instead, your ears are treated to lush, melancholic textures, haunting melodies, and slow burning rhythms that transport you to a very personal space, a beautiful sonic reality. As much as I'll miss Blake's early instrumental dubstep experiments, the awesomeness of his current musical direction cannot be denied - and as a singer/song writer, the music contained here is proof that he is on a whole other level. 10 tracks total on 180g vinyl, housed in beautiful gatefold sleeve. Recommended.

• music label: Republic Records 2013

reviewed by TKB 04/2013

Limited edition release for Record Store Day 2013! The Roots seminal Things Fall Apart sees it's first proper vinyl release with full cover art. The previous vinyl version came in a plain black sleeve. Here's what O-Dub had to say when we first picked up the album: Hands down, Things Fall Apart is the finest album The Roots have put together. It's not nearly as ambitious as Phrenology, or as electric as the first time you heard Doyouwantmore?, but cut for cut Things Fall Apart comes closest to realizing their vision as a group. It doesn't hurt that it boasts the Erykah Badu collabo, "You Got Me," which did for The Roots what "Killing Me Softly" did for The Fugees. However, we get far more than just one solid crossover hit here. For one, Things Fall Apart is a marvel of sequencing, a skill that not enough rappers learn to master. The record jumps straight out the box by beginning with the old school, jazzy breakbeat science of "Table of Contents, Parts 1 & 2," "The Next Movement" continues the slightly organic feel, mid-tempo flows of Illadelph Halflife, and that vibe continues onto "The Spark," where Dice Raw gets his. Then once you touch "Dynamite," a slinky jazz guitar beauty, the album starts to build its momentum. They hit s*%t off lovely on the very next song, "Without a Doubt," nodding to Schooly D's Philly classic "Saturday Night" long before the Young Gunnaz did. "Ain't Sayin' Nothin' New" throws down more sultry soulfulness only to be followed by the Mos Def/Black Thought pairing of "Double Trouble," rocking the kalimbas for real. This run hits its apogee with "Act Too (Love of My Life)," arguably one of the most beautifullest odes to hip-hop ever. Super-duper mellow, especially compared to the 300 watt heat that preceded it, but "Act Too" offers the perfect cool-down hiatus that you need to refresh. There's still another half dozen or so songs that follow, including "You Got Me," "Adrenaline," and "Don't See Us," but that middle run is the heart of the album and what makes Things Fall Apart such a masterful example of music-making. If you only ever buy one Roots album what you waiting for?

• 2LP on 180 gram vinyl
• First ever LP pressing with album art
• 4000 copies only
• music label: MCA Records 2013

reviewed by O-Dub 01/2006

Jazzman always seems to unearth those hidden gems that no one else can find! The UK label's latest, Soul Spectrum Records Vol. 1, turns its focus towards rare and obscure dancefloor soul from the late '70s and early '80s. Think deep boogie cuts and soulful disco. The label enlisted Ashley Beedle and Tom Noble to turn their well honed knives on two of the tracks that needed a little fine tuning, but other than that all the tracks a presented in uncut form. It's all compiled by the super dedicated DJ Fryer. Here's what he had to say about Soul Spectrum Records Vol. 1: The endless quest to discover lost interesting music from the past is something of a calling to many. Record collectors and DJs will go without food and spend all their wages to own a single piece of vinyl. Many will travel around the world to towns and cities you would never choose to visit. Happy spending nights in cheap hotels and days in musty old shops looking for that one lucky find, and it does happen, eventually, to all that make the effort. I make no claim to the discovery of any of these records contained here, but I nod my hat to those that did and will again in the future. I have let good as well as rare music be the narrative on this LP. There are some records here that are relatively affordable and I encourage you to go out and find them on original 45s, and play them. Records should be heard, not archived - keep the wonderful culture of playing 45s and 12s alive.CD version is 21 tracks in all. 2LP version is 16 tracks in all pressed on deluxe 180 gram double vinyl pressing with thick, glossy sleeve, includes bonus 7" reissue single: $8000 rated hyper-rarity, Fluorescent Smogg!

• music label: Jazzman 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 03/2013

Probably the biggest release of Record Store Day 2013, Phish's Lawn Boy vinyl was one of the band's holy grail collectables. With the last pressing over a decade ago, originals were exchanging in the 1K range. This deluxe Record Store Day edition features 180g double vinyl, housed in a NUMBERED gatefold fleece. In addition, the D-side features a special etching. 7500 copies worldwide.

• music label: Jemp Records 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Critically acclaimed, listener approved, another beautiful album from Yo La Tengo. Ranked as of the best of albums of the 1990s by Pitchfork, Spin, and Paste Magazine there is no denying the impact I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One made on the masses. Introducing a more mature sound with further exploration of what was to become their signature genre defying sound. Ranging from Bossa Nova to Shoegaze, Folk to Indie Pop the Jersey trio cemented their presence as one of the most important bands of our generation. Stand outs include the ever reflective 'Autumn Sweater', 'Sugarcube', and their cover of the Beach Boys' 'Little Honda'. Matador records reissued this pop masterpiece on 180 gram double vinyl. Recommended.

• music label: Matador Records 2009

reviewed by taco vato 3/2013

Though originally making the scene as a traditional Bossa Nova performer / songwriter, starting in the early 70's Valle experimented with new sounds finding influence in American rock, soul, and folk. Light In The Attic, known for their expansive catalog of long lost treasures, curated in a four part series hand picking from Valle's vaults what are deemed to be the most adventurous in his recordings. In 1971 Valle, with a group of like minded hippies, rented a beach shack with all intentions to make music and soul search. His goal to change the sound he helped establish and go in a different direction. Vento Sul finds a common ground of Ziggy era Bowie without the glam and Veloso's Tropicalia movement. The album features extensive liner notes by San Francisco-based writer Allen Thayer (Wax Poetics) with exclusive interview content and song-by-song breakdown from Marcos himself. Comes housed in gatefold, 180-gram wax LP with original art expanded on a gatefold old-school “tip-on” jacket. Recommended.

• music label: Light In The Attic 2013

reviewed by fogo de chow 2/2013

Double vinyl, 180g pressing of Velvet Underground's legendary show at La Cave in 1968. At the time of this live recording, the Velvet Underground was going through major changes. John Cale had left the band and his replacement had only been in the band for a couple days (this was his first performance with the band)! Despite all this, VU turn in an incredible performance at the small Cleveland coffee house, playing several then-unreleased songs with tons of energy and awesome guitar solos. This is actually one of the very few recordings from the period between White Light/White Heat and their self-titled album, and the awesome performance definitely makes up for the lo-fi recording.

• music label: Keyhole 2012

reviewed by TKB 02/2013

Both volumes of The Amazing Bud Powell capture the troubled pianist at the height of his abilities and career. Powell was one of the first pianists to bring bebop style playing to the instrument. The recordings for Blue Note were originally released in 1951 and 1953. Volume 1 is composed of two different sessions. The first, recorded in 1949, Powell performed in quintet with Fats Navarro, Sonny Rollins, Tommy Potter and Roy Haynes. The second featured a trio with Curley Russell and Max Roach, and was recorded in 1951. Highlights from the first session include "Bouncing with Bud", "52nd Street Theme" and "Dance of the Infidels," with "Un Poco Loco" being the standout of the second. It is credited as being a significant marker in the establishment of Afro-Cuban jazz. Volume 2 was recorded in 1953 with George Duvivier on bass and Art Taylor on drums. Throughout his life Powell battled with alcohol and was frequently institutionalized in psychiatric hospitals. This can partly be attributed to his being beaten by the police when he was twenty. During some stays he received electroconvulsive therapy. After spending nearly 2 years in a mental hospital, he was released in 1953 into the guardianship of Oscar Goodstein, the owner of the Birdland nightclub. The piece "Glass House" is inspired by his near-imprisonment in Goodstein's apartment. His playing after his release from hospital began to be seriously affected by Largactil, taken for the treatment of schizophrenia. And by the late fifties, his talent was clearly in eclipse. The Amazing Bud Powell captures the unique ability of a groundbreaking jazz pianist. One that signaled a paradigm shift in the way that players approached the instrument. Double 180 gram vinyl LP.

• music label: Doxy 2012

reviewed by Titiyo 02/2013

Remastered stereo pressing of The Beatles' Revolver. The Beatles' seventh studio album, released in 1966 and produced by George Martin - often considered one of the greatest achievements in recorded music history. Revolver found the Beatles moving from the folk rock-inspired sound of their previous effort Rubber Soul, and further into the realm of electric guitar and effects. It also marks the beginning of the Beatles' psychedelic era, especially with tracks like "Yellow Submarine," "I'm Only Sleeping," "Tomorrow Never Knows," and the sitar-laced "Love You To," paving the way for <i>Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band</i>, <i>Magical Mystery Tour</i> and The White album.  Also features "Good Day Sunshine," "Eleanor Rigby," "She Said She Said," "Here, There, Everywhere," and more. Heavyweight 180g pressing, recommended.

• music label: Parlophone 2012

reviewed by TKB 02/2013

Classic Brazilian singer, songwriter, and producer Marcos Valle reissues. Just as his self-titled 1970 release, Garra continues in the new sound Valle explored just one year before. A mixture of Samba, Bossa Nova, and American folk / rock. Singing in Portuguese, Valle crafted beautiful song after song easily walking the line of tradition and modernism. With "Garra" the music leans more toward the traditional Bossa Nova side with great melody, strong horn and string parts only the drums are very much a solid back beat over the light percussion we have come to love in our Brazilian tunes. The newly reissued album comes with in-depth liner notes interviewing Valle and is 180-gram wax LP with original art expanded on a gatefold old-school “tip-on” jacket. This marks the first time it is also officially available in the US. Recommended.

• music label: Light In The Attic 2013

reviewed by gene jacket 1/2013

Remastered stereo pressing of the Beatles' classic, Rubber Soul. This is the Beatles sixth studio album from 1965, and is often dubbed as one of the greatest albums of all time. So many favorites on this one (but really, it's like this on any Beatles album) including "Drive My Car," "Norwegian Wood," "Michelle," "Girl," "What Goes On," "In My Life," and more. Heavyweight 180g pressing in deluxe gatefold sleeve.

• music label: EMI 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 12/2012

Remastered stereo pressing of the Beatles' self-titled LP. The Beatles, commonly referred to as the "white album", was released in 1968 between Sgt. Pepper's and Abbey Road. The band was at the peak of their popularity and influence at the time, but were dealing with creative differences brewing internally which lead to a much more diverse and eclectic album (at one point Ringo quit and Paul played drums on a couple tracks). None the less, the white album is still one of their greatest efforts, a double LP worth of classic material clocking in over 90 minutes in length with 30 tracks in all. Includes timeless classics like "Blackbird," "Dear Prudence," "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da," "Happiness Is A Warm Gun," "Don't Pass Me By," "Helter Skelter," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," and many more. Heavyweight 180g pressing in deluxe gatefold sleeve with bonus poster plus photo inserts of each member of the band. Recommended.

• music label: EMI 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 12/2012

Remastered stereo pressing of the Beatles' 1967 album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. This is the band's eighth studio album and continues with the experimental recording techniques and psychedelic influence started on Magical Mystery Tour. At the time of release Rolling Stone called it "the most important rock & roll album ever made" and over 40+ years later, it still holds up as an incredible listening experience. Includes classic hits like "With A Little Help From My Friends," "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," "Getting Better," and more. Heavyweight 180g pressing in deluxe gatefold sleeve.

• music label: EMI 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 12/2012

Remastered stereo pressing of the Beatles' classic, Abbey Road. This is the Beatles last studio full length, recorded in 1969 and released just before the band broke up in 1970. It is widely considered one their tightest efforts as the album gained universal praise upon release (no surpise there), despite the heavy tensions behind the scenes. Over 40 years later, the album is on numerous "greatest album of all time" lists, and is also considered one of the Beatles' best. Includes timeless cuts like "Come Together," "Something," "Here Comes The Sun," "I Want You," "Because," and more. Heavyweight 180g pressing in deluxe gatefold sleeve.

• music label: EMI 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 12/2012

Snack keeps asking me, "What's the deal with Elliot Smith." And I keep giving him the short answer. So for his sake and the few of you that are reading this that don't know here goes. 1997 marked a turning point in Smith's career, his music was featured prominently in Gus Van Sant's Good Will Hunting soundtrack, which led to the singer suddenly becoming the Oscar-nominated center of attention. His performance at the Oscars was characteristically nervous but brilliant. It seemed to be a surprising turn of events for both Smith and his fans. 1997 was also the year that Either/Or was released. The album, with the introduction of instruments aside from the singer-songwriter's guitar and voice, serves as a bridge between the lo-fi darkness of Roman Candle and Elliott Smith and the studio sheen of XO and Figure 8. His lyrics are as bleak and dark as ever, but the songs have a certain pop sensibility to them. Either/Or captures Smith's ability to play with that contrast beautifully. The constant push and pull between the dissonant and melodic, dealing with today's disappointment and loneliness knowing that things could change tomorrow. It's no secret that Smith dealt with alcoholism and addiction, but through his music you can see that he was able to experience love as well.

• Music Label: Kill Rock Stars 1997/2012

reviewed by Joey Coco 10/2012

Grizzly Bear's music has always been infused with nuance and detail. The quartet has grown from their debut on Ed Droste's home recorded Horn Of Plenty to showcase the talents of all involved. From their haunting vocal harmonies to their multifaceted instrumentation the band creates intricate tapestries infused with baroque melody that beckon the listener in. For their fourth proper album, Shields, Grizzly Bear have shaken off critics' assumptions that they are all flourish and no substance. Songs like the pair of lead-off singles, "Sleeping Ute" and "Yet Again", expose the band's emotional core in a way we have not heard before. At times it feels as if the compositions want to take off in multiple directions at once, but the tend to resolve at just the right moment. Chris Bear's drumming underpins the frantic and ethereal soundscapes created by Chris Taylor, while Droste seems to have a new found grittiness in his vocals. The real standout of Shields though, is Daniel Rossen. His folksy playing has grown to incorporate strands of jazz and prog-rock that add layers of depth to Grizzly Bear's sound. While Shields may be more demanding than Grizzly Bear's past albums it is ultimately stronger and more accomplished than anything that has come before. Deluxe 180 gram double vinyl in gatefold sleeve.

• Music Label: Warp Records 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 09/2012

Prepare to have your mind officially blown. The much anticipated full length debut from the muthaf'n Gaslamp Killer has landed and it totally exceeds all expectations. Over the years, GLK has grown quite a cult following as a respected DJ and producer. From co-founding the legendary Low End Theory night (where he is still a resident DJ) to touring the globe, his high-energy sets have become the stuff of legend. Now on Breakthrough, Gaslamp Killer takes his heavy, psych-influenced sound to the next level with a fully realized album of devastating beats and bugged-out psychedelia on Flylo's Brainfeeder imprint. Expect an intense trip through dark and ominous sonic territory with some of the heaviest live drum and production work from GLK himself, as well as guest appearances from kindred spirits Gonjasufi, Adrian Younge, Dimlite, Daedelus, Samiyam, Computer Jay, and more. The whole album should be digested in its entirety for the full effect, but check out "Holy Mt. Washington," "Dead Vets," "Flange Face," "Apparitions," "7 Years Of Bad Luck" and "Keep It Simple Stupid" for a taste of the madness. Comes on thick 180g vinyl with free download card or on CD with artwork from Kilian Eng. Highly Recommended!

• music label: Brainfeeder 2012

reviewed by Fadermod 09/2012

It's been 20(+) years since Paul's Boutique came out, and to celebrate this landmark release Capitol has pressed it up onto a nice thick slab of 180g vinyl and bundled the whole thing in a quadruple-gatefold sleeve. The audio has also been fully restored, and this pressing sounds nice and crisp, much better than the old quieter pressings that have been floating around for years. The songs themselves are well known by now, but if you want a trip down memory lane check out "High Plains Drifter" (probably my personal favorite), "Shake Your Rump," "Hey Ladies" or "Shadrach." Fifteen tracks total.

• music label: Capitol 1989 / 2009

reviewed by Hires 2009

Light In The Attic unearths another lost treasure, this time the debut full length from Rodriguez. Originally recorded back in 1969, Cold Fact was Rodriguez's debut album that is now considered a psychedelic rock masterpiece. At the time however, the album was barely a blip on the radar in the US, though he managed to become a sort of mysterious cult figure overseas in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand of all places! Thankfully LITA has rescued this album from obscurity and allows for Rodriguez's raw, counter-culture vision to a whole new audience. Find out why Rodriguez is spoken about with the same reverent tones as Hendrix, Dylan, The Doors, and Love with tracks like "Sugar Man," "Establishment Blues," "Like Janis," "Inner City Blues," and "I Wonder." 14 tracks total on 180g remastered vinyl housed in old school tip-on sleeve.

• music label: Light In The Attic 2009

reviewed by Extravagant Traveler 06/2012

First time domestic reissue of this classic from B-Music and Light In The attic. This deluxe version features glossy gatefold packaging and extended linear notes and a 1971 interview with Serge. Here's our original review: "There are many reasons to add this album to your collection, not the least of which is the incredible covered cooter proudly displayed by Jane Birkin (aka Jane B). Damn those hippie girls from Blow Up. Fans say this is French rebel icon Serge Gainsbourg's masterpiece. And it's got beats. Although broken into a few different movements, Histoire De Melody Nelson is a singular piece of work held together with Serge's gravel lyrics, a recurring tar-pit bass and the story of Melody Nelson. The album is book ended by "Melody" and "Cargo Culte" which both utilize the album's centerpiece- that haunting bass that you will recognize from the Beatnuts' "Superbad." En Melody" also deserves mention for the great intro and controlled spazz guitar work (sampled by De La). Serge was a legend- banned in many countries for his blatant sexual and political messages, loved by women despite having a "head like a cabbage," always centered in controversy and usually producing interesting work. In Serge's later years, he attended an awards show and told Whitney Houston "I want to fuck you" on live TV. ODB would be proud. Recommended.

• Music Label: Light In The Attic 1971/2009

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2009

Remastered reissue of Elliott Smith's 1994 debut LP. Roman Candle was recorded on a 4 track recorder in teh basement of Smith's girlfriend, and was initially intended to be a 7" release.  However, once the folks over at Cavity Search Records heard the tracks they knew that they had something special and so they decided to release it in its entirety.  The original sound on the record was pretty lo-fi, but this remastered version has some pretty clear sound, more comparable to the releases that came later in Smith's solo career. I'm sure there's some die hards out there that'll turn their nose up at the cleaner mastering, but if you're an Elliott Smith fan you owe it to yourself to hear this. 9 tracks total on quality 180g vinyl, packaged in a pic sleeve with lyric sheet. BONUS: Each copy of this LP includes a coupon redeemable for a free, high-quality download of the entire album from the Kill Rockstars website.

• music label: Kill Rock Stars / 2010

reviewed by the mgmnt 07/2010

For the 20th anniversary of Nevermind's release, Universal presents a 4 x LP edition of the landmark album. The release includes the remastered version of the original album as well as  takes from The Smart Studio Sessions, The Boombox Rehearsals, and BBC Sessions - many of which were previously unreleased.  Here is the original review for Nevermind: "We'll spare you the Woodman review where he would write about drinking a 40 "in an hour dude," or that time he puffed a blunt and saw visuals while listening to this in college. Nonetheless, a nostalgia ride to most, the only post 1980 album that cracked the Rolling Stone top 20 records of all time. If you need a reminder, this is the one with that "Smells like Teen Spirit" track, and "In Bloom," "Come As You Are," "Breed," "Lithium," "Polly," "Territorial Pissing," "Drain You," "Lounge Act," "Stay Away," "On A Plain," and "Something in the Way." Magic rock. Recommended.

• music label: Geffen / 2011

reviewed by nakinboots 09/2011

Now available on remastered, 180g vinyl! Nice and loud double LP pressing of Ill Communication complete with perfectly reproduced artwork. This album caught the Beasties in top creative form - experimenting with the music, but still keeping the quality high and their feet grounded, no matter what style they attempted. It not only contains some of their hypest crossover tracks ever like "Sabotage" and "Sure Shot," but also the super funky Q-Tip collabo "Get It Together" and the hard Biz Mark collab "Do It." Jazzy breakbeat groovers like "Root Down" and "The Scoop" are also present as well as some of their early instrumental jazz-funk-fusion noodlings ("Ricky's Theme" and "Sabrosa") and tracks that hark back to their punk rocker days ("Heart Attack Man"). 20 tracks total, worth every penny.

• music label: Capitol / 2009

reviewed by Snackmaster 07/2009

Super deluxe 180g double LP pressing of "Check Your Head." Best Beastie's album ever? I guess you can debate it, but there's no arguing that this one is definitely up there. I can go on about it, but better yet read what we said about it when we got an import pressing a couple years back: "Out of print for a while now, we jumped at this UK repress of my favorite Beasties album. That's right, fuck Paul's Boutique and Wesleyan College. The Beasties live the American dream here, picking up instruments and playing skater thrash band, badass black funk-rock band, and crafty city rappers, all at the same time. I'm not quite sure there's anything else quite like it. Even though I've gotten tired of the aging cult of Beastie, I still put this on when I want to get hyped up for heated recreational sports sessions (that's right chall!). Every track is standout, but if I have to assign those pesky blue numbers, it would go something like this:  "Jimmy James, Gratitude, Somethin's Got To Give, Stand Together," and "Groove Holmes." Double vinyl. Recommended." Worrd.

• music label: Capitol / 2009

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2009