Juno Recommends Rock / Indie / Folk / Metal / Punk / 50s / 60s: September 2024

Review: Nick Cave & The Bad seeds present their first album in five years, Wild God, following 2019's Ghosteen. A testament to the band's recent spell of happiness - especially after the exorcising of personal demons going on on its predecessor - the stylistic and emotional complexity of Wild God is reflective of the complex emotional state a songwriter can find themselves in after a period of pain and tumult. It is indeed a "complicated record" (Cave's own words), with cameos from David Fridmann to Jonny Greenwood in tow, conjuring up gothic romantic fantasies ("he flew through the city like a prehistoric bird" and "she died in a bedsit in 1993") and candidly heartfelt instrumentation, but with a kooky edge. Though the singles released so far err on the side of convention, our inside intel indicates the presence of an overall rock-genre-bending record elsewhere, owing to a happy period of reconnection and creative synergy experienced by the band.

Review: The The's album Ensoulment marks a significant return after nearly 25 years since their last studio release. Written, demoed, and mixed at Studio Cineola in London by mainman Matt Johnson, the album delves into profound themes ranging from love, sex, war and politics to the essence of humanity in the 21st century. Joined by long-standing band members and co-producer Warne Livesey, the album captures the essence of The The's distinctive sound while exploring new territories. Featuring artwork by Matt's late brother Andrew, Ensoulment promises another significant album in the bands discography. With additional performances from notable musicians including Gillian Glover and Terry Edwards, Ensoulment is poised to make a significant impact upon its release.

Review: Jack White's sixth solo album, No Name, arrives as a delightful surprise, offering a raw and invigorating return to his roots. Released with minimal fanfare and initially devoid of track titles, this album shows off White's playful and enigmatic nature. Fans of all stripes will find something to love here: diehard collectors get a rare gem for their collections, while those simply drawn to White's music can dive into 13 new tracks, now officially titled and available on vinyl. Produced at Third Man Records Studios in Nashville, No Name strips away the grandiosity of White's recent experiments, embracing a raw, unpolished sound that harks back to his White Stripes days. The album's blues-infused rock, with its razor-sharp riffs and primal drumming, feels more alive and immediate than his recent work. Songs like 'Bless Yourself' channel the heavy, bruising power of early Shellac and Led Zeppelin, while 'Terminal Archenemy Endling' blends heavy rock with spiritual uplift. White's lyrics are sharp and biting, delivering both humor and intensity. Tracks like 'Archbishop Harold Holmes' and 'What's the Rumpus?' showcase his ability to balance the sublime and the ridiculous, with catchy hooks and incisive commentary. Leaner and more focused than he's been in years, No Name is a thrilling reminder of White's genius and overall, an enjoyable rock album to listen to.

Review: Coming off of the back of 1983's Subterranean Jungle, which saw a return to their punk rock roots, the brothers Ramone opted to stay the course for their 1984 follow up Too Tough To Die. Enlisting drummer Richie Ramone for his first project, the collective creative intention was to further stray from the lukewarm reception bestowed upon their more pop-centric End of the Century (1980) and Pleasant Dreams (1981), and rediscover the harder edges that built their initial success. With this unifying vision in mind, the band opted to record as live and raw as possible in order to capture that punk rock ethos, with this compilation providing a bevvy of demos, B-sides and alternate takes from these sessions, many of which feature Richie on lead vocals. A true gem for devout followers of the real Fab 4 as well as a curious bridging point between the aforementioned Subterranean Jungle and the fully realised product of Too Tough To Die.

Review: The Jesus Lizard's return with Rack marks a significant moment for fans of post-hardcore. Their first album since 1998's Blue, this release is a testament to their enduring influence and sound. 'Hide & Seek,' the lead single, is a vibrant track that showcases the band's signature style, with David Yow's vocals leading the charge. The album as a whole feels fresh yet familiar, with nods to their past but a clear focus on new directions. Recorded with producer Paul Allen, the band sounds as tight and energetic as ever, showcasing their remarkable chemistry. Overall, Rack is a welcome return from a band that has left an indelible mark on the post-hardcore genre.

Review: As the title suggests, Broadcast have collected all their demo recordings made between 2000 and 2006 and compiled them onto a single 14-track record. But that's not the main piece of news: sadly, this one marks the end of releasing from the band, tying the bow on an game-changing career to say the least. Many of these tender tidbits were worked into finished productions appearing on Haha Sound, Tender Buttons and The Future Crayon; it's an impressive flex to be able to flaunt your one-offs and pack them onto a single recorded finale. What's more, the connotations aroused by form - demos - as well as the sonic content of these gems plays nicely up to Broadcast's now well-established aesthetic, which is one for the ages, to be sure. The album also includes two songs discovered by James after bandmate Trish's passing: 'Come Back To Me' and 'Please Call To Book' which was her response to Broadcast's 2006 'Let's Write A Song' project, where fans were asked to submit lyrics on a postcard which would then be worked into a finished song.

Review: Soft Tissue highlights the continued evolution for Tindersticks, their 14th album representing a dynamic exploration of new sonic territories. With a palpable sense of mutual curiosity driving their creative process, the band delves into intimate conversations that yield a rich blend of sound and emotion. From the opening track 'New World' to the soulful 'Turned My Back' and the dappled hope of 'Soon to be April,' Soft Tissue navigates themes of personal and public worlds with finesse. Stuart Staples' introspective reflections, supported by the band's tight arrangements and restless details, create a compelling sonic landscape that is both intimate and experimental. With vocals, strings, and brass completed in London, the album upholds Tindersticks' longstanding readiness to stretch themselves creatively.

Review: Uncollected Noise New York '88-'90 marks Galaxie 500's first new archival release in nearly three decades, presenting the most extensive collection of unreleased and rare material from the band. Spanning 24 tracks, this compilation includes the complete Noise New York studio recordings, outtakes and non-album tracks. The band meticulously compiled this collection, tracing their journey from their earliest studio moments to their final recordings. Featuring eight previously unheard tracks and rare, long-out-of-print studio material, Uncollected Noise New York '88-'90 offers a hidden history of the band's evolution from beginning to end. Produced and engineered by Kramer at Noise New York from 1988 to 1990, the album's packaging includes archival images and historical liner notes by the band. Galaxie 500's three studio albums include 'Today' (1988), 'On Fire' (1989), and 'This Is Our Music' (1990). 'Shout You Down' and 'I Wanna Live' are two standout tracks from this release with the band's raw and evolving sound on full display

Review: THE THE's eagerly awaited Ensoulment marks their first studio album since 2000's NakedSelf. This 12-track collection traverses sharp social commentary and personal introspection, something the band has always excelled at through the years. To celebrate the release, a strictly limited 7" vinyl single will feature 'Some Days I Drink My Coffee By The Grave Of William Blake,' a standout track from the album. The single also includes an exclusive B-side, a previously unreleased track, making it great for collectors wanting a unique piece of their discography. With Ensoulment, THE THE delivers a potent mix of incisive lyrics and introspective musings, reinforcing their legacy with a fresh yet timeless edge. While, like most of mainstream media missing this amazing band as usual, true tastemakers know the legendary career Matt Johnson has had. His impact is immeasurable.

Review: As part of the Suede30 campaign, Demon Records will release Suede's fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth singles as collectible 7" picture discs, featuring the original cover art. Among them, 'We Are The Pigs,' released on September 12, 1994, stands out as the lead single from the Dog Man Star album. The single is a great blend of Bernard Butler's dynamic riff and Brett Anderson's haunting lyrics with the sing-along chorus that has a sinister twist. The single reached number 18 on the UK charts. The B-side, 'The Killing Of A Flash Boy,' while not included on the album, is considered a lost gem by Brett Anderson, reflecting its enduring appeal.

Review: This is a special yellow vinyl version of The Greatest Love, London Grammar's long awaited fourth studio album, which arrives almost three years after following 2021's Californian Soil and a full decade plus since the group burst onto the scene with debut album If You Wait. Described by the band as a celebration of artistic freedom, it arrives amidst personal milestones like parenthood, global touring, and industry recognition, including two number-one hits and prestigious awards like the Ivor Novello and BRIT nominations. With a boundary-pushing blend of electronica and pop, the album reflects newfound confidence and creative liberation and signals another bold evolution in London Grammar's musical journey.

Review: Loaded, The Velvet Underground's final album featuring Lou Reed, epitomises a perfect rock 'n' roll record. Released in 1970 after their stint with Verve, it marked the band's shift to Atlantic Records under Ahmet Ertegun's directive for a hit-laden album. The absence of founding members John Cale and Maureen Tucker, coupled with Doug Yule's prominent role, shifts the album's dynamic but does not compromise its impact. With standout tracks like 'Sweet Jane' and 'Rock & Roll,' it feels like a greatest hits collection, expertly navigating rock archetypes. This 180-gram 45 RPM double LP reissue by Analogue Productions, pressed at Quality Record Pressings and housed in a tip-on old style gatefold jacket by Stoughton Printing, provides an exquisite listening experience. A certified rock classic and a significant chapter in the Velvets' legacy.

Review: It's been a full five years since Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds released an original full-length LP. Their last was Ghosteen, the final of three albums to complete the triptych that also included Push The Sky Away (2013) and Skeleton Tree (2016). This makes Wild God something of a special one, marking the first time Cave and company have struck out on an isolable creative limb in over a decade. Unlike the heartfelt grief-stricken groundswells of the previous three albums, Wild God is an avowed 'deeply and joyously infectious' album that marks a return to Cave's reputable, searching, soul-stirring songwriting form; full of the same idiosyncrasies that formed the greatness of latter-day albums like Dig, Lazarus, Dig, albeit with a crazed edge that has perhaps never been heard before.

Review: South American audiences have a reputation for being some of the most voracious in the world, and couple that with one of the most notoriously filthy, dirty and loud rock 'n' roll bands the universe ever created, and you're in for quite the treat. This selection from a 1994 set shows the band mixing a handful of classics from their 70s and 80s heyday - from opener 'Ace of Spades' and the sturdy 'Metropolis', to the closing salvo of 'Overkill' - mixed in with more contemporary moments, like raucous 12 bar workout 'Going To Brazil'. A rare cover of Ted Nugent's iconic anthem 'Cat Scratch Fever' is up there among many highlights too.

Review: Alice In Chains' 2009 release, Black Gives Way to Blue, marks a significant moment for the bandia poignant farewell to the late Layne Staley and the beginning of a new chapter with vocalist William Duvall. The album opens with 'All Secrets Known,' a track that signals a fresh start, with lyrics like 'Hope. A new beginning,' underscoring the band's evolution. Jerry Cantrell's guitar work remains as powerful as ever, driving the album with emotional intensity, particularly in tracks like 'Your Decision,' where the raw honesty in the lyrics is striking. Duvall's contributions shine, especially on 'Last of My Kind,' where he brings a new energy to the group without attempting to replicate Staley's iconic voice. The title track, 'Black Gives Way to Blue,' is a heart-wrenching tribute to Staley, featuring a sparse yet haunting arrangement with piano by Elton John. The song's quiet fade-out leaves a lasting impact, a fitting close to an album that balances grief with renewal. Black Gives Way to Blue not only honours Alice In Chains' legacy but also sets a strong foundation for their future, proving that the band's creative spirit remains unbroken.

Review: Nilufer Yanya's third album, delves deep into introspective and existential themes, with its near title track and current single 'Method Actor' seeing Yanya exploring the parallels between method acting and musical performance, both of which involve channeling intense, life-defining memories to evoke genuine emotion. Collaborating closely with Wilma Archer, Yanya crafted My Method Actor in a cocoon of creativity, writing and recording in secluded sessions across London, Wales and Eastbourne, with results rich with comforting strings, skittering beats and soulful melodies. The album poses profound questions about identity and purpose, reflecting Yanya's journey through a transitional period in her life and career. Songs like 'Method Actor' and the earlier single 'Like I Say (I Runaway)' showcase Yanya's ability to weave contrasting textures and emotional depth into her music. Her lyrics, simultaneously specific and surreal, offer a glimpse into her process of self-discovery and problem-solving through songwriting. My Method Actor envelops listeners in a cinematic atmosphere, inviting them into Yanya's evolving world and offering a poignant exploration of the human experience.

Review: Demon Records celebrates the 50th anniversary of Marc Bolan and T Rex's Light Of Love with a special edition release. Originally a US-only album from late 1974, it first appeared on the Casablanca Records label. This edition honors its historical significance and offers a glimpse into Bolan's evolving artistry. Light Of Love features eight tracks recorded in the US, initially intended for the band's 1975 UK album Bolan's Zip Gun. To cater to the American market, Bolan included three tracks from the yet-to-be-released Zinc Alloy album: 'Teenage Dream,' 'Explosive Mouth,' and 'Venus Loon.' Among the new tracks is 'Till Dawn,' notable for being Bolan's final collaboration with Tony Visconti, who provided a lush string arrangement. This anniversary edition is pressed on 140-gram orange vinyl and it comes in the original sleeve design, accompanied by a new inner sleeve. Light Of Love exemplifies Bolan's blend of glam rock and inventive musicality, offering a nostalgic yet fresh listening experience.

Review: Marking the tenth anniversary of Mac DeMarco's seminal album Salad Days, this special edition is here to celebrate. This 2xLP evergreen holographic vinyl includes both Salad Days and Salad Days Demos, complemented by an 18"x24" poster and a 12-page booklet with new liner notes by Mac himself, all housed in a striking Chamber of Reflection mirror gatefold sleeve. Salad Days, originally released in 2014, showcases DeMarco's evolution as an artist. Tracks like 'Passing Out Pieces' and 'Chamber of Reflection' highlight his expanding sound palette, blending icy synths and soulful crooning. The lead single, set against overdriven organ chords, captures his candid self-awareness and lyrical depth. The album retains the crisp, lush production reminiscent of the John Lennon/Phil Spector era, with Mac's unique contemporary twist. Songs like 'Brother' and 'Treat Her Better' exemplify his signature styleislinky lead guitars, swooning vocal melodies and heartfelt sincerity. This anniversary edition not only celebrates a pivotal moment in Mac DeMarco's career but also offers fans a beautifully packaged and thoughtfully curated experience.

Review: Marc Bolan's first single of 1972, 'Telegram Sam,' also marked the debut release on his T Rex Wax Co label. The song is a tribute to his manager, Tony Secunda, who played a crucial role in securing the label and substantial earnings for Bolan. Recorded in Copenhagen, 'Telegram Sam' is a taut rocker brimming with power and excitement, driven by one of Bolan's most insistent riffs. It served as the public's first taste of what would become T. Rex's next album, the masterful The Slider. The single topped the U.K. charts effortlessly. This reissue, released on a 7" picture disc featuring rare photos of Marc Bolan, captures the single's historic and musical significance, making it a valuable addition to the collections of glam aficionados everywhere.

Review: Thurston Moore's ninth solo album, Flow Critical Lucidity, showcases his eclectic artistry with a blend of European and UK influences. Released under Daydream Library Series, the album draws lyrical inspiration from nature, lucid dreaming, and modern dance, evoking a vibrant, introspective journey. Recorded at Total Refreshment Studios in London and mixed at Hermitage Studios, the album features the single 'Sans Limites,' whose title phrase lends itself to the album's thematic depth. The cover art, 'Samurai Walkman' by Jamie Nares, complements Moore's avant-garde style, reflecting a longstanding artistic partnership rooted in New York's No Wave movement.

Review: In 1972, for the first time since 1969, Led Zeppelin didn't release an album. After the success of Led Zeppelin IV in November 1971 they spent most of 1972 touring with Houses of the Holy not arriving until March 1973. February saw the band in Australia, followed by a June North American tour. On June 9, they played Charlotte, North Carolina, at the Coliseum and served up one of their best performances of the tour. The set included tracks from their latest album and fan favourites like the epic 'Stairway to Heaven.' Previously unreleased on vinyl, this new edition finally captures the entire show on wax.