ORG Music US Vinyl & CDs

Review: Originally distributed through SST Records in 1986, I Against I served as the seminal third full-length from Washington D.C. hardcore punk legends Bad Brains and is still the band's highest selling album to date. Noted for branching far beyond the already expanded parameters of reggae-infused punk, and embracing elements of soul, funk and alternative metal, the album was a shock at the time to the devout fans who were spoiled by the refinement of their sound on Rock For Light, yet in the decades since, the LP has been cited as an integral influence by members of Cro-Mags, Sepultura, The Dillinger Escape Plan and Rage Against The Machine to name a small handful, while artists such as Machine Head, Jeff Buckley and Lamb Of God have even covered the iconic title-track. Newly remastered with updated artwork, this Punk Note edition is a vital collection piece for both newcomers and fanboys who've already spun their OG copy to death.

Review: The highest selling album from reggae-tinged hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains arrived courtesy of SST Records in 1986, and marked the band's further decimation of genre parameters. Following on from the major success of their refined sophomore endeavour Rock For Light, which cherry-picked some of their preceding self-titled debut LP's strongest cuts to re-record under the tutelage of The Cars' late, great Ric Ocasek, by the time it came to enter the studio to lay down what would grow into the iconic I Against I, the band had begun to embrace more outsider influences from the realms of soul, r&b and even funk metal; all genres that would inform the sonic makeup of their third full-length. With the title-track covered from everyone from Jeff Buckley to Lamb Of God to Denzel Curry, the utter sonic fearlessness exuded throughout scoffed in the face of hardcore purists who lambasted the effort upon release, while its insidious influence can still be heard today from Rage Against The Machine all the way up to hardcore's modern day flag flyers Turnstile.

Review: Following the major success of 1983's seminal sophomore effort Rock For Light, in which reggae-hardcore heroes Bad Brains would work studiously under The Cars' Ric Ocasek, and even re-record some of their self-titled debut LP's strongest cuts such as 'Sailin' On' and 'Banned In D.C.'; the hard left turn of their now acclaimed third full-length I Against I initially shocked many a hardcore purists upon its initial 1986 release. Arriving courtesy of SST Records, the album showcased an even further disregard for genre or scene parameters than the band had exuded up to that point, absorbing elements of funk, soul, r&b and, most notably, alternative metal, with the material falling somewhere in line with the likes of Living Colour, yet a far scuzzier version. While early reception was somewhat maligned and controversial, with the band even back-peddling on 1989's Quickness, there's no denying the sprawling influence the record has had in the decades since, with covers of the title-track coming from Jeff Buckley to Denzel Curry, while its sonic presence can be heard all the way up to modern hardcore stalwarts such as Turnstile. Not to mention the iconic lore behind the vocals to 'Sacred Love' being recorded by H.R. over the phone from prison while serving time on a marijuana distribution charge. How can you get any more hardcore punk reggae than that?

Review: The Loneliest Punk was Fatlip's debut solo album and was originally released in 2005. It now returns on vinyl as it has remained a cult classic that captures the Pharcyde MC at his most raw and introspective. Produced by J-Swift of Bizarre Ride II and Squeak E. Clean, the album fuses quirky hip-hop drum patterns with sharp lyricism and features standout collaborations with Chali 2na from Jurassic 5 and the late Shock G aka Humpty Hump. Long out of print, this latest reissue revives a hidden gem of underground hip-hop that deserves as much spotlight as it gets.

Review: It was back in 197 when Denise LaSalle's remarkable debut album landed on Westbound Records. It very much catapulted her to the world stage and introduced us to her unyielding power in the world of soulful blues. The album has not been reissued for more than 50 years and for this occasion gets remastered by Dave Gardner. Blending her Chicago Blues roots with soulful, contemporary arrangements, the album spawned massive hits and showcased her impeccable songwriting and powerful voice to the world. It remains an enduring classic of the genre that will surely lure in a new generation of blues and soul lovers.

Review: Tribe 2000 is a powerful celebration of Phil Ranelin's prolific career, featuring the Tribe Records founders, Ranelin on trombone and Wendell Harrison on saxophone. Recorded in 2000, this album brings together the core of the influential Detroit label, as Harrison sought to reconnect with Ranelin while incorporating a talented ensemble of seasoned musicians to enrich the arrangements. Four of the five compositions are penned by Ranelin, showcasing the innovative spirit that characterised Tribe. Wendell Harrison, known for his self-directed approach to music, co-founded the legendary Tribe label in the 1970s and established Rebirth Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to jazz performance and education. His collaborations with notable artists like pianist Geri Allen and saxophonist James Carter underscore his significant impact on the jazz community. Born in Indianapolis, Ranelin's early influences shaped his journey through Detroit's jazz scene before he moved to Los Angeles, where he continued to thrive alongside luminaries like Freddie Hubbard. Together, Ranelin and Harrison's Tribe 2000 exemplifies their enduring legacy in jazz music.

Review: Cecil Taylor's Live at the Cafe Montmartre captures a transformative night in jazz, with Taylor leading a powerhouse trio featuring Sunny Murray on drums and Jimmy Lyons on alto sax. Recorded in Copenhagen on November 23, 1962, this landmark set is Taylor at his most innovative, merging fierce improvisation with raw, rhythmic freedom. The opening track, 'Trance', immediately challenges traditional jazz rhythms, with Murray redefining percussive timing, while Lyons' sax riffs anchor the swirling chaos. In 'Call', Taylor's piano spills out haunting, dissonant notes, crafting a noir-esque atmosphere that dissolves rhythmic boundaries. By the time 'D Trad, That's What' closes the set, the trio is in full flightia 21-minute frenzy that matches the legendary energy of Coltrane's performances. Legend has it that Taylor was inspired by a Coltrane concert the night before and the influence is palpable, driving each musician to extraordinary limits. Remastered by Dave Gardner for audiophile-grade vinyl, this release brings the brilliance and intensity of Taylor's pioneering vision into sharp relief. It's essential listening for jazz fans and anyone eager to experience the beginnings of true free jazz.

Review: The Apples in Stereo, Beulah, Circulatory System, Elf Power, The Minders, Neutral Milk Hotel, of Montreal, and The Olivia Tremor Control. The list could go on, but our point will always be the same - whatever page you turn to first, the story of Elephant 6 is one of a sorely under-referenced musical universe of multi-genre music that's hard to move beyond once you find it. The 2022 documentary is testimony to that, and now the official soundtrack, featuring many of the loose collective's finest affiliates and associates, offers us a chance to take a broad selection home. And we really do mean broad. Lo fi garage rock, weirdo guitar, surf, rock 'n' roll, grunge, alt, leftfield and plenty more can be heard in this marvellous brew. A genuine delight from start to finish, this one's essential.

Review: Come and Get It was the fourth album by Boston's Westbound Train, and it was originally released in 2009 on Hellcat Records. The album is a smart mix of traditional Jamaican music with classic notes of r&b and plenty of contemporary influences that offer a great glimpse of the band's refined, soulful sound with rich horn sections and groove-driven rhythms. From uptempo ska anthems to heartfelt ballads there is plenty of ground covered here and all with trademark energy and musicianship. The album was produced by David Hillyard of The Slackers and Obi Fernandez, and this reissue marks the first-ever vinyl pressing with two bonus dub tracks for extra pleasure.