Jimi Hendrix may be more symbolic now than at the time of his death 40 years ago. As one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, he pioneered the explosive possibilities of the electric guitar. Valleys of Neptune is a complete studio album featuring 12 previously unreleased recordings totaling 60+ minutes of unheard legend.
Peter Gabriel’s 40+ year career has passed a variety of musical signposts – from prog-rock radical to international pop superstar to world-beat saviour. His latest return features his own interpretation of classic tracks by Radiohead, Arcade Fire, Lou Reed, Bon Iver and more. As the singer/songwriter reveals, Scratch My Back is “a very personal” record.
The wait is over…and man was it worth it. Massive Attack awakens from a 7 year slumber with 10 amazing tracks on Heligoland. Reminiscent of their organic dub roots, the album trips the senses with guest artists Tunde Adebimpe of TV On the Radio, Damon Albarn of Gorillaz, Hope Sandaval of Mazzy Star and Adrian Utley of Portishead. Like a psychedelic drug, Heligoland takes awhile to hit, but when it does – it’s an exhilarating ride.
With the release of The Colossus, innovative RJD2 takes you on a hip hop voyage you won’t want to return from. Each track unfolds beautifully with the beat smith’s mad sampling skills, multi-instrumentalist talents, and sick turntablism – not to mention, the soulful guest vocalists.
Greek Philosopher, Xenophanes wrote “one god is greatest among men.” Perhaps today he would write, “Omar Rodriguez-Lopez is greatest among guitarists.” The Mars Volta axeman takes his imaginative work to a new level on his thirteenth solo effort.
You and your better half won’t be leaving the bedroom as long as Tricky’s Maxinquaye spins in the background. The trip hop classic’s two-disc deluxe edition includes digitally remastered original tracks, B-sides and previously unreleased material. Though great for late night romps, its sonic production is experienced best through a nice pair of phones.
If you’re a jazz newbie, Medeski, Martin, & Wood’s Radiolarians: The Evolutionary is your gateway. Rooted in improvisational jazz, the 3-disc recording branches off into segments of rock, folk and funk. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever heard before. Once you hear it, you’ll be a jazz junky forever.
Supergroup, Them Crooked Vultures – Dave Grohl, on skins; Zep’s, John Paul Jones, on bass; and Queens of the Stone Age’s, Josh Homme, offering his pipes and guitar riffage. This power trio exceeds expectations with their melodic hooks, deep grooves, tight passages and imaginative song writing on their debut self titled album.
History books are incapable of covering six decades of western culture the way Atlantic Records: Time Capsule does. A nine CD box set of 165 hits by 141 Atlantic artists, this musical journey includes a book of rare photos, documentary on DVD, and the label’s first hit single on vinyl.
Voices don’t sound cooler than Tom Waits. Even he has turned up the chill factor on his double-disk, live recording, Glitter and Doom. 25 years since the release of his live performance on Nighthawks at the Diner, this legend’s gravely voice and angst-ridden lyrics are as poignant now as they were a quarter of a century ago.
