Do you know that fancy new computer or 8K TV you were banking on when Black Friday rolls around? You might be waiting a while for some of those items to arrive this holiday season. On the other hand, there are dozens of new vinyl releases and reissues that would make a great stocking stuffer or look fine underneath the Menorah. Hot wax anyone?
The Beatles: Let it Be
Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing. The Let It Be album has been newly mixed by producer Giles Martin and engineer Sam Okell. All the new Let It Be releases feature the new stereo mix of the album as guided by the original “reproduced for disc” version by Phil Spector and sourced directly from the original session and rooftop performance eight-track tapes. Buy at Amazon.
Echo & The Bunnymen: Ocean Rain
Echo & The Bunnymen released their fourth studio album Ocean Rain in 1984, enjoying an enamoring cult status following the success of their first three albums. Ocean Rain continued the band’s use of strings, creating a dark, ethereal aura throughout the album.
It produced three singles, Silver, Seven Seas and the massive anthem The Killing Moon; a track frontman Ian McCulloch once stated, “I know there isn’t a band in the world who’s got a song anywhere near that.” It reached #9 in the UK singles chart, and continues to transcend generations to this day, routinely featuring in films and television shows. Buy at Amazon.
Warren Zevon: Excitable Boy
Limited 180gm translucent red vinyl LP pressing. Excitable Boy is the third studio album by Warren Zevon, originally released on January 18, 1978. It includes the single “Werewolves of London”, which reached #21 and remained in the American Top 40 for six weeks. The album brought Zevon to commercial attention and remains the best-selling album of his career. Buy at Amazon.
Violent Femmes: Why Do Birds Sing?
Why Do Birds Sing? is the fifth studio album from the American cult band, Violent Femmes. First released in 1991, it was their last studio album with original drummer, Victor DeLorenzo. The darkly humorous and sharp-edged folk-rock collection features the infectious hit “American Music,” well as a fan-favorite cover of Culture Club’s “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me.” Buy at Amazon.
Syl Johnson: Different Strokes / Is it Because I’m Black
Two of Syl Johnson’s biggest cuts, appearing on the same 45 for the first time. Syl’s infinitely sampled 1968 sock-soul smash “Different Strokes” takes up the A-side, while 1969’s moody, political deep soul burner “Is It Because I’m Black” hogs the flip in it’s original single edit. Available on limited Numero Gold or standard black vinyl and housed in a handsome houndstooth-style sleeve. Buy at Amazon.
Omara Portuondo: Omara Portuondo (Buena Vista Social Club)
In 2000, the leading lady of the Buena Vista Social Club, Omara Portuondo, released her debut solo album for World Circuit. Often hailed as the Billie Holiday of Cuba, the stunning affair takes as it’s theme ‘Unrequited Love – love lost and found’ and was recorded in Havana with a dream band, orchestrated by Demetrio Muñiz, and including Rubén González, Cachaíto López, Guajiro Mirabal and Jesus ‘Aguaje’ Ramos. Buy at Amazon.
Lucinda Wiliams: Lu’s Jukebox Vol. 3, Bob’s Back Pages
Revered singer/songwriter Lucinda Williams is working to help independent music venues during this time with the announcement of Lu’s Jukebox. Scheduled as a six-episode series of mostly full-band, HD video performances in-studio, Lu’s Jukebox will feature a themed set of songs by other artists curated by the multi-Grammy award winner. Buy at Amazon.
