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Parasol Against the Axe (Book)

Helen Oyeyemi
My favorite writers are weavers. Ones who can start something somewhere, leave it gently, start something else, then slowly walk them toward each other. Oyeyemi is a master of this, as I first learned by reading "What is Not Yours is Not Yours" last year. In the novel format though, her form is elongated without sacrificing her taste for deliciously confusing detail. Read more

Dreamers

Charles Leclerc / Sofiane
Current Ferrari Formula 1 Team driver Charles Leclerc (!) & French pianist Sofiane Pamart collaborated on this special project, producing four contemporary neo-classical pieces. Short pleasant whimsical solo piano works that seem perfect for dreaming or perhaps as a novel soundtrack to an introspective racing video! [Available on 12"/CD] Read more

Taru (Tone Poet Series) (LP)

Lee Morgan
Another high quality Blue Note Tone Poet release, this of Lee Morgan's 1968 session with Bernie Maupin, George Benson, John Hicks, Reggie Workman and Billy Higgins. Funky complex hard bop with modal and fusion elements. A really enjoyable & satisfying listen. Most definitely recommended! Read more

Live On Beat-Club ‘71-‘72 (CD)

Fanny
Fanny performed twice on the German TV show Beat-Club and the audio tracks from those performances are presented here. Although in mono, the recordings still capture the excitement of Fanny live. A David Bowie personal favorite, these gals rocked as well as any band and these performances demonstrate why! [Available on CD/LP] Read more

Waterloo / The Visitors (LP)

ABBA
Their two most recent half-speed mastered 45rpm vinyl re-issues done by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios. Definite sonic upgrades for both! Waterloo includes the Swedish version of "Waterloo" as a bonus and The Visitors' OG early digital artifacts have been mitigated and now sounds utterly sublime! Read more

All Over The Place - The Rise Of THE BANGLES From The L.A. Underground (Book)

Eric M. Shade
A great new (unauthorized) biography and history of The Bangles! Mr. Shade presents a impressive insight (400+ pages) into the group and each member from very early (pre-Bangles) on through the present. Lots of details/facts, cool photos/memorabilia and an extensive discography make this a fun must-read for any fan! Read more

Germ Free Adolescents (LP)

X-Ray Spex
This debut album from X-Ray Spex was released in 1978 and is a must have for any punk collector. Poly Styrene’s unique vocal style is strong and clean, and Rudi Thompson’s sax playing gives this band a style that is completely distinct and totally punk rock. Read more

Roseland NYC Live: 25th Anniversary (CD)

Portishead
Beth Gibbons ethereal voice paired with Moog playing and vinyl scratching make this the quintessential 90s trip hop album. Read more

Satan Takes a Holiday (LP)

Anton Lavey
Organ classics played by the founder of The Church of Satan? Yes, please! He’s a big part of San Francisco history, and this 1995 re-release brings his musical contributions back into light. Er, dark. Read more

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