Review: At the start of 2024, BADBADNOTGOOD channeled their renewed creative energy into the Mid Spiral series. Fresh off a string of international tour dates and collaborations with artists like Daniel Caesar, Charlotte Day Wilson, and Turnstile, the Canadian trio - Al Sow, Chester Hansen, and Leland Whitty - returned to the studio with a vibrant sense of purpose. Joined by touring member Felix Fox-Pappas and key Toronto jazz musicians Kaelin Murphy, Juan Carlos Medrano, and LA's Tyler Lott, they embarked on an intensive recording session at Valentine Studios in Los Angeles. The result is the Mid Spiral series, initially released digitally in three parts - Chaos, Order, and Growth - and now available as a double LP and CD. These suites mark a return to their instrumental jazz roots while seamlessly blending elements of hip-hop, neo-soul, psychedelic and funk.
Review: The debut studio album by American rock band Electric Six came as a demented party record, building on the high production value, yet still enjoyable musical approach of mainstream pop and industrial rock in the late '90s and early noughties. The Detroit band had been going since 1996 but only struck the starry heights of fame in 2001, when 'Danger! High Voltage' established their bluesy, raunchily delicious dance-funk sound. The star cut on the record, and ensuing hilarities such as 'Naked Pictures (Of Your Mother)', 'I'm The Bomb' and 'Gay Bar', proved just the right dosage of tension and irreverence.
No More Rehearsals (feat Roses Gabor, Jah Wobble, Jack Jack Penate & Yazz Ahmed) (3:14)
You Were Smiling (feat Samantha Morton) (3:51)
Norm (feat Bill Callahan) (1:26)
Swamp Dream #3 (feat Clari Freeman-Taylor) (5:57)
The Meadows (feat Roses Gabor, Kamasi Washington & Ricky Washington) (4:50)
Goodbye (Hell Of A Ride) (feat Nourished By Time) (3:32)
Review: The latest release from Everything Is Recorded delivers a striking collection that blends electronic, soul and folk influences with remarkable depth. The opening track sets a reflective tone, paired with lush instrumentation and haunting vocals. Collaborations like the one with Sampha, Laura Grove and Alabaster DePlume bring emotional weight, while tracks like 'Never Felt Better' with Florence Welch and Sampha elevate the energy. 'Porcupine Tattoo' offers a beautifully subdued moment, and other collaborations continue to weave unique soundscapes. The release is a testament to XL boss Richard Russell's ability to bring diverse voices together, crafting a deeply introspective yet dynamic listening experience.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
The DCS (5:28)
Scat Man (5:56)
Bass Masta (5:55)
Rockin' The Boat (5:54)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
Fontaines D.C. return with their latest album Romance, their debut on XL Recordings. Recorded shortly after their tour supporting Arctic Monkeys, it seizes on the momentum of 2022's Skinty Fia; Romance marks a colder and starker shift away from their prior work, exuding a chillingly charismatic energy out of the exothermic reactions of booming rock production, free-associative rap-singing and apocalyptic themes. Led by the track 'Starburster', the album's locus of inspiration, which came to be after the band's frontman Grian Chatten suffered a panic attack at London's St. Pancras Station, we find ourselves morbidly over the moon for this grim album-length rumination on the now.
Review: Fontaines D.C. return with their latest album Romance, their debut on XL Recordings. Recorded shortly after their tour supporting Arctic Monkeys, it seizes on the momentum of 2022's Skinty Fia; Romance marks a colder and starker shift away from their prior work, exuding a chillingly charismatic energy out of the exothermic reactions of booming rock production, free-associative rap-singing and apocalyptic themes. Led by the track 'Starburster', the album's locus of inspiration, which came to be after the band's frontman Grian Chatten suffered a panic attack at London's St. Pancras Station, we find ourselves morbidly over the moon for this grim album-length rumination on the now.
Review: Fontaines D.C.'s debut on album on XL Recordings, Romance, marks both a continuation of and a tonal shift away from the sound of 2022's Skinty Fia, easing into their alt-dance-rock frenetics but also amping up a certain apocalyptic central theme. Indeed, the band mention that, going into the recording sessions for the album, they were left wondering what there 'was left at all to be romantic about', testifying an ability to channel the overarching miasma of a grim now into nonetheless fun-loving music. But Romance isn't just an embrace of hedonism while the world burns; it's more of an explosion of adrenaline, in a world where such libidinal energies might otherwise end up misplaced.
Review: Fontaines D.C.'s fourth album, Romance, marks the band's first collaboration with producer James Ford and represents their most adventurous and inventive work to date. Following the success of their acclaimed 2022 album Skinty Fia, which topped the UK and Irish charts and earned them International Group of the Year at the 2023 Brit Awards, Romance is set to push their sound further. The explosive lead single 'Starburster' was inspired by lead singer Grian Chatten's panic attack so features intense breath patterns and shifting dynamics. Elsewhere the band's evolution is there for all to hear with with influences from grunge, electronica, and hip-hop reflecting their ongoing growth and experimentation.
I Believe In Love Again (feat Lenny Kravitz) (2:53)
All That (feat Villano Antillano) (3:53)
(It Goes Like) Nanana (3:49)
Lobster Telephone (5:21)
Seoulsi Peggygou (2:34)
I Go (5:33)
Purple Horizon (3:42)
1+1=11 (5:30)
Review: Peggy Gou's rise from fashion student to Berlin DJ to global superstar has been astonishing. Along the way she has picked up a dedicated fan base who go wild for her whenever she plays. When she does, anything goes from house to disco to techno, as shown on her fine DJ-kicks mix, and now she goes one better with a debut album that features already massive singles like 'I Go', 'Nanana', 'I Believe in Love Again' with Lenny Kravitz, and '1+1=11'. It is well crafted, packed with big hooks, warming basslines and plenty of musical charm that will likely take her to all new levels once more.
I Believe In Love Again (feat Lenny Kravitz) (2:53)
All That (feat Vilano Antillano) (3:53)
(It Goes Like) Nanana (3:49)
Lobster Telephone (5:21)
Seoulsi Peggygou (2:34)
I Go (5:33)
Purple Horizon (3:42)
1+1=11 (5:30)
Review: Peggy Gou's rise from fashion school student to underground DJ to world-renowned dance music star has been swift and remarkable. In that time she's played every major club and festival in the world, had some huge crossover hits and started her own label while also releasing on the likes of Ninja Tune. Now she steps up to XL with a highly anticipated debut album featuring epic previous singles such as 2023's chart-topping global hit '(It Goes Like) Nanana' and 'I Believe in Love Again', her wild Lenny Kravitz collaboration, as well as plenty of new tunes that span house, disco and more.
B-STOCK: Corners of outer sleeve slightly damaged, records slightly warped with some surface marks
Track Uno
Bus Ride (feat Karriem Riggins & River Tiber)
Got It Good (feat Craig David)
Together (feat Aluna George & GoldLink)
Drive Me Crazy (feat Vic Mensa)
Weight Off (feat BadBadNotGood)
One Too Many (feat Phonte)
Despite The Weather
Glowed Up (feat Anderson Paak)
Breakdance Lesson N.1.
You're The One (feat Syd The Kid)
Vivid Dreams (feat River Tiber)
Lite Spots
Leave Me Alone (feat Shay Lia)
Bullets (feat Little Dragon)
Track Uno
Bus Ride (feat Karriem Riggins & River Tiber)
Got It Good (feat Craig David)
Together (feat Aluna George & GoldLink)
Drive Me Crazy (feat Vic Mensa)
Weight Off (feat BadBadNotGood)
One Too Many (feat Phonte)
Despite The Weather
Glowed Up (feat Anderson Paak)
Breakdance Lesson N.1.
You're The One (feat Syd The Kid)
Vivid Dreams (feat River Tiber)
Lite Spots
Leave Me Alone (feat Shay Lia)
Bullets (feat Little Dragon)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Corners of outer sleeve slightly damaged, records slightly warped with some surface marks***
Since debuting on Bromance in 2013, Kaytranada has become one of the leading lights on the future R&B scene. Given his track record, it's understandable that there's plenty of hype surrounding 99.9%, his long await debut album. The 15-track sees him showcasing the depth and variety of his beat making, production and compositional skills. Thus, the string-drenched jazziness of "Bus Ride" is followed by the off-kilter R&B pop of "Got It Good", and the Onra-ish synth-hop soul of "One Too Many" sits side by side with the double bass, Rhodes and Latin-influenced beats of "Despite The Weather". It's pretty expansive, clocking in at 15 tracks deep, but the quality never dips throughout. Recommended.
I Thot There Was One Wound In This House, There's Two (2:11)
Way Eye (1:22)
Rectifiya (2:25)
Hvnli (2:42)
Hvnli (reprise) (3:28)
Do Yourself A Favor (2:27)
A Mile A Way (1:56)
I Want My Things! (2:12)
Change The Story (interlude) (2:43)
Every Nigga Is A Star (2:33)
I! Gits! Weary! (1:55)
Negus Poem 1 & 2 (2:26)
Forreal??? (3:53)
FWU (3:01)
Nu World Burdens (3:21)
Keep It Real (3:03)
Review: XL Recordings presents the long-awaited repress of keiyaA's 2020 album Forever, Ya Girl. The singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist was raised in Chicago's South Side; now based in New York, her jazz training, R&B sensibilities, and hip-hop inheritability are all deployed to full effect, crafting an experimental soul sound inundated with powerfully sultry voice and dense lyricism. Aiming to to foreground the standpoint and intellect of the black woman in the late-stage capitalist landscape, Forever, Ya Girl brings a sawn-off, digital neo-soul inflection to themes of struggle and grace, all while deploying many a quirky interjection and voice-modded sample between the beats.
Review: Daffodils & Dirt, the debut album by Samantha Morton and Richard Russell, is a brooding and poetic exploration of Morton's troubled past and raw emotional experiences. With Russell's production prowess, the duo creates an unsettling yet captivating musical landscape that delves into themes of resilience and vulnerability. Morton's haunting vocals, coupled with Russell's sparse yet evocative soundscapes, transport listeners into the depths of her teenage years, where she grappled with homelessness and instability. The album's collaborations with artists like Jack Penate, Laura Groves, and Ali Campbell add unexpected layers of depth and beauty to the already compelling narrative. The album is a mesmerising blend of haunting melodies and raw emotion, inviting listeners to journey alongside Morton as she navigates the complexities of her past.
Review: Nourished by Time's latest work blends lo-fi r&b, freestyle, and bedroom pop with a confident ease that feels fresh and alive. The album, created in a Baltimore basement, is a snapshot of raw creativity, with a sound that's deeply personal yet accessible. Tracks like 'In the Quiet' and 'Tides' experiment with layers of rhythm and texture, pulling you into a world that feels uniquely his. It's an album that doesn't play by any rulesistriking a balance between introspection and broad appeal, while challenging what we expect from contemporary music.
B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition
Spitfire
Girls
Memphis Bells
Get Up Get Off
Hotride
Wake Up Call
Action Radar
Medusa's Path
Phoenix
You'll Be UNDER MY WHEELS
The Way It Is
Shoot Down
Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***
Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned sees producer Liam Howlett deliver a hook-ridden album that nods to the British rave scene with uninhibited bass and bleeps, but plenty of blazing guitars that maintain The Prodigy's bridge between rock and dance. Hollywood glamour shines with Juliette Lewis on standout track 'Hot Ride,' channeling PJ Harvey's energy. Lewis also appears on the opener 'Spitfire,' an alluringly sinister track. The Gallagher brothers bring aggression to the closing track 'Shoot Down,' with Liam on vocals and Noel on bass, showing Oasis's punk side. Howlett's battle with Kool Keith on 'Wake Up Call' and the exuberant 'Girls,' featuring disco-punks The Ping Pong Bitches, showcase The Prodigy's willingness to experiment. Fans might miss Keith Flint's ghoulish presence, but the album's flair remains strong. Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned is a storm of apt samples, grumbling percussion, and memorable riffs, reaffirming The Prodigy's place in the dance-punk genre.
Review: Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned sees producer Liam Howlett deliver a hook-ridden album that nods to the British rave scene with uninhibited bass and bleeps, but plenty of blazing guitars that maintain The Prodigy's bridge between rock and dance. Hollywood glamour shines with Juliette Lewis on standout track 'Hot Ride,' channeling PJ Harvey's energy. Lewis also appears on the opener 'Spitfire,' an alluringly sinister track. The Gallagher brothers bring aggression to the closing track 'Shoot Down,' with Liam on vocals and Noel on bass, showing Oasis's punk side. Howlett's battle with Kool Keith on 'Wake Up Call' and the exuberant 'Girls,' featuring disco-punks The Ping Pong Bitches, showcase The Prodigy's willingness to experiment. Fans might miss Keith Flint's ghoulish presence, but the album's flair remains strong. Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned is a storm of apt samples, grumbling percussion, and memorable riffs, reaffirming The Prodigy's place in the dance-punk genre.
Review: Lesser Matters is an overlooked gem of Swedish indie-pop. Sweden's rich musical heritage spans various genres and eras, producing globally recognised names like The Cardigans, The Hives and Stina Nordenstam. However, beyond these well-known acts lies a treasure trove of lesser-known gems, including the innovative Wintergatan, the indiepop-to-electropop evolution of Red Sleeping Beauty, and the enchanting dream pop trio, The Radio Dept. Their name originates from a converted petrol station. Founded by Johan Duncanson and joined by Martin Larsson and later Daniel Tjader, the band has seen various line-up changes but consistently produced music that resonates deeply with listeners. Their debut album, blends lo-fi scuzzy guitars, shoegaze, and New Order-esque electropop, creating a sound that, while reminiscent of 1980s post-punk, remains distinctly their own. Tracks like 'Keen On Boys' and 'Why Won't You Talk About It?' exhibit their knack for combining subtle touches with heavenly melodies, while songs like 'Where Damage Isn't Already Done' demonstrate their ability to craft high-energy, emotionally charged music. The album seamlessly incorporates ambient sounds, creating an intimate and atmospheric listening experience.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Everything In Its Right Place (4:24)
Kid A (4:39)
The National Anthem (5:52)
How To Disappear Completely (5:53)
Treefingers (3:50)
Optimistic (5:25)
In Limbo (3:18)
Idioteque (5:10)
Morning Bell (4:36)
Motion Picture Soundtrack (4:12)
Packt Like Sardines In A Crushed Tin Box (LP2: Amnesiac) (4:04)
Pyramid Song (4:53)
Pulk/Pull Revolving Doors (4:01)
You & Whose Army? (3:06)
I Might Be Wrong (4:58)
Knives Out (4:18)
Morning Bell/Amnesiac (3:12)
Dollars & Cents (4:47)
Hunting Bears (2:01)
Like Spinning Plates (4:13)
Life In A Glasshouse (4:16)
Like Spinning Plates (Why Us? version - LP3: Kid Amnesiae) (5:08)
Untitled V1 (1:49)
Fog (Again Again version) (2:18)
If You Say The Word (4:27)
Follow Me Around (5:15)
Pulk/Pull (True Love Waits version) (3:02)
Untitled V2 (3:45)
The Morning Bell (In The Dark version) (2:28)
Pyramid Strings (0:18)
Alt Fast Track (1:54)
Untitled V3 (2:07)
How To Disappear Into Strings (1:33)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
The latest of Radiohead's reissues is an utter avalanche of material. 'Kid A Mnesia' itself is an 'album mashup' between their two albums Kid A and Amnesia; both projects are remastered and released side-by-side on the same LP. It doesn't stop there: for the fanatics, there's an exclusive third disc, Kid Amnesiae, which contains formerly unheard material both recording sessions, as well as Kid Amnesiette, a cassette of B-sides. This ultra-deluxe edition is, decidedly, one for the ultra-fans. Besides the radical electronic fever dreams making up both projects, this version contains the never-before-heard song 'If You Say The Word' on the bonus CD. Remastered on vinyl and cut at half the speed of the original LP, it's an audiophile's banquet. Also watch out for the exclusive booklet of drawings that come with the special edition of this special edition.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Airbag
Paranoid Android
Subterranean Homesick Alien
Exit Music (For A Film)
Let Down
Karma Police
Fitter Happier
Electioneering
Climbing Up The Walls
No Surprises
Lucky
The Tourist
I Promise
Man Of War
Lift
Lull
Meeting In The Aisle
Melatonin
A Reminder
Polyethylene (parts 1 & 2)
Pearly
Palo Alto
How I Made My Millions
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
Twenty years ago it sounded like an oddly poignant evocation of pre-millennial tension. Two decades later it stands as an eerily prescient glimpe into the technological alienation and dislocation of of a new era. Yet more importantly, OK Computer is no more or less than a sparkling, dramatic and moving collection of songs that haven't lost any of their impact in the interim. The sound of a band stubbornly refusing to follow up the stadium-strafing stylings of its predecessor The Bends - and instead bursting headlong into experimentation and wild creativity -is portrayed in still more vivid colours by the alarmingly strong collection of out-takes and B-sides collected herein, Yet there's no getting away from the chill and spark that marked out OK Computer from everything surrounding it in the post-Britpop malaise, and continues to do so in the pre-Brexit counterpart.
Review: The Smile's new album Cutouts on XL Recordings features several tracks already debuted by the band of Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and Tom Skinner on their UK tour in March. Produced by Sam Petts-Davies, the ten track album was recorded in Oxford and Abbey Road Studios alongside their previous album, Wall of Eyes and features some lush string arrangements by the London Contemporary Orchestra and cover art by Stanley Donwood and Yorke. Wall of Eyes back in January reached number three on the UK charts and received critical acclaim from Pitchfork, Spin, and others with this new one likely to follow suit.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Wall Of Eyes (4:56)
Teleharmonic (5:01)
Read The Room (5:05)
Under Our Pillows (6:04)
Friend Of A Friend (4:25)
I Quit (5:21)
Bending Hectic (7:46)
You Know Me! (5:11)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
The Smile's new album Wall Of Eyes, set to be released on on XL Recordings and the alternative moniker of Radiohead members Jonny Greenwood, Thom Yorke and drummer Tom Skinnner. It was recorded between Oxford and Abbey Road Studios, and is produced and mixed Sam Petts-Davies. It features string arrangements by the London Contemporary Orchestra. Wall Of Eyes is the follow up their 2022 debut LP A Light For Attracting Attention.
Review: The Smile's Cutouts marks another step in the band's exploration of diverse sonic landscapes. Following their earlier 2024 album Wall of Eyes, this project further underscores the trio's commitment to musical experimentation. Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead and drummer Tom Skinner crafted Cutouts at Oxford and Abbey Road Studios, with Sam Petts-Davies producing. They offer a look into the album's eclectic mix of styles, blending elements of jazz, Krautrock and progressive rock,a blend of influences delivered with a raw, adventurous energy that distinguishes The Smile from their Radiohead roots. Cutouts is expected to unify these varied influences into a compelling sonic experience.
Review: Thom Yorke's original score for Confidenza is a haunting masterpiece, blending synths, strings and jazz elements to create an atmospheric journey through love, loss, and life. From the ominous strangeness of 'The Big City' to the unsettling strings of 'Nosebleed Nuptials', Yorke's compositions evoke a sense of unease and beauty. Collaborating with trusted partners like the London Contemporary Orchestra and Robert Stillman, Yorke crafts a sonic landscape that is both immersive and emotionally resonant. 'Confidenza' displays Yorke's creative honesty and unrestrained talent. It's a triumph of subtle yet complex artistry, offering listeners an unforgettable experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional film scoring.
Review: In January, it was revealed that Thom Yorke composed the original score for Daniele Luchetti's film, Confidenza, which is based on Domenico Starnone's novel. XL Recordings now has that soundtrack on vinyl and it follows Yorke's acclaimed score for Luca Guadagnino's 2018 Suspiria remake, Suspirium, which earned a GRAMMY nomination. Yorke collaborates with producer Sam Petts-Davies again here , as well as the London Contemporary Orchestra and a jazz ensemble, including Robert Stillman and Tom Skinner. It is a grand and emotional work from the cult Radiohead legend.
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