Released in 2007 by Gold Standards Laboratories Recorded November 2005 in Amsterdam Format: LP
Tag: Complex
Hella – There’s No 666 in Outer Space
Originally Released in 2007 on Ipecac Vinyl released in 2008 on Black Diamond Format: LPx2
Soft Machine – Third
Pulling away from the jazzy psych-pop of their first two albums, Soft Machine gears towards sprawling sidelong compositions of spacey prog infused with thematic jazz fusion improvisations, compositional edits, and heavy doses of experimental post-production (for the more psychedelically inclined). Motivic electric-bass grooves, multi-tracked saxophones, loose swinging drums and fuzzy organs reign supreme. The whimsical and diverse musical nature of founding member/drummer Robert Wyatt was relegated to the eclectic C-side, “Moon in June”, which was his last composition for the band due to the other members not being a fan of his vocals and preferring the seriousness of jazz fusion to Wyatt’s child-like playfulness and spontaneity.
John Coltrane Quartet – Afro Blue Impressions
Released in 1977 on RCA Recorded live on a European tour in 1963 Format: LPx2
James Blood Ulmer – Free Lancing
Sun Ra – Space is the Place
Released in 1973 on Blue Thumb Records Format: LP, Quadrophonic Pressing
Julia Holter – Aviary
Released in 2018 on Domino Records Format: LPx2 Includes 12″x12″ glossy lyric and photo booklet
The Body – I Have Fought Against It, But I Can’t Any Longer
Released in 2018 on Thrill Jockey Records Format: LPx2, Metallic Silver Vinyl
Mary Halvorson – Code Girl
King Crimson – Discipline
Discpline marks the first in a trilogy of complex prog-meets-new-wave masterpieces that have been relished by anxious overthinkers for decades…featuring polyrhythmic riffs, innovative guitar textures, overwrought sing-talking, and a strong inter-band chemistry.
Do Make Say Think – Winter Hymn Country Hymn Secret Hymn
Released in 2004 on Constellation Records Format: LPx2, Side D is blank
Robert Wyatt – Rock Bottom
Released in 1974 on Virgin Records Original U.S. Pressing, Promo Copy
Thelonious Monk Septet – Monk’s Music
Dawn of MIDI – Dysnomia
An acoustic trio of piano, upright bass, and drums utilize creative extended techniques to play evolving minimalist compositions of mutating grooves, polyrhythms, and textures.
Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues
Released in 2011 on Sub Pop Records Produced by Phil Ek and Fleet Foxes Format: LPx2 Includes large foldout poster
Miles Davis – Bitches Brew
Recorded August 19-21, 1969 Originally released in 1970 on Columbia Records 2008 Legacy Pressing Format: LPx2
Irreversible Entanglements – Irreversible Entanglements
“Four relentless bouts of inspired fire music forged from the true spirit of free jazz, driven by searing poetic narrations of Black trauma, survival and power” (from press release)
Click for review
White Denim – D
Alice Coltrane – Universal Consciousness
Cecil Taylor – Nefertiti, the Beautiful One Has Come
Recorded live at Cafe Monmartre in Copenhagen, Denmark on November 23, 1962 Released in 1976 on Arista Records
Soft Machine – Fourth
Released in 1971 on Columbia Records Format: LP
Joanna Newsom – Ys
Released in 2006 on Drag City Records Format: LPx2
McCoy Tyner – Enlightenment
Information: Released in 1974 on Milestone Recorded on July 7, 1973
A Storm of Light – And We Wept the Black Ocean Within
Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
Frank Zappa – Hot Rats
Information: This album was released in 1969 on Bizzarre Records
Caravan – In the Land of Grey and Pink
Information: Originally released in 1971 This deluxe pressing was released in 2013 on Klimt Records Format: LPx2 (second LP contains … More
Do Make Say Think – & Yet & Yet
Information: Released in 2002 on Constellation Records
Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a Butterfly
Kendrick travels through the history of African-American music and into the future, taking inspiration from P-Funk, G-Funk, jazz, trap and everything in between. His lyrics display an acute awareness of someone battling with the weight of fame, institutional racism, and his own depression. This album is simultaneously personal and universal, and nothing short of revolutionary.
Can – Future Days
Album Information: Originally released in 1973 on United Artist Recordings This pressing was released in 2014 on Mute Records
Crown Larks – Populations
Psychedelic post-punk from Chicago with noise rock dissonance, free jazz sax freak outs, Rhodes keyboards, proggy time signatures, and anxious vocals drenched in delays.
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez – Solar Gambling
Album Information: Released in 2009 on Rodriguez Lopez Productions Artwork by Sonny Kay Recorded on the E-Clat Morgue Portable Disaster … More
Ryley Walker – Deafman Glance
Acoustic-shredder/singer-songwriter ventures out of the jazz-inflected folk-rock territory explored by his last few albums to create something that feels fully himself. Deafman Glance is full of angular left turns, complex structures, airy flutes, jazz detours, and psychedelic atmospheres. A balance of great songwriting, jazz musicianship, and experimental/art-rock tendencies. Recommended to fans of Tortoise’s Standards, Tim Buckley’s Starsailor, and King Crimson’s Red. (Click for full review).
Joanna Newsom – Have One On Me
Album Information: Released in 2010 on Drag City Records Produced by Joanna Newsom Arranged & Conducted by Ryan Francesconi Recorded … More
Miroslav Vitous – Magical Shepherd
Description: Czech bassist Miroslav crafts some flashy jazz funk with Herbie Hancock, percussionist Airto Moreira, vocalists Cheryl Grainger & Onike, … More
McCoy Tyner – Sahara
Album Information: Released on Milestone Records in 1972
Shakti – Natural Elements
In this energizing exploration of Hindustani classical music from a jazz perspective, John McLaughlin joins a virtuosic trio of Indian musicians who inspire some of the most impassioned and impressive playing of his career. His acoustic guitar shredding veers close to the bendy sounds of the sitar and fits nicely with the dense web of percussion created by Vikku Vinayakram and Zakir Hussain. Violinist Lakshiminarayana Shankar’s emotive themes and fiery solos make him a perfect foil to McLaughlin.
Flying Lotus – You’re Dead
A psychedelic, transcendent fusion of hip-hop, jazz, prog, and IDM meant to simulate the cosmic experience of death. Featuring Kendrick Lamar, Thundercat, Herbie Hancock, Kamasi Washington, Snoop Dogg, and others..,
Soft Machine – Volume Two
Soft Machine’s second album is an eclectic suite packed full of whimsical psychedelia, Dadaist detours, complex prog structures and jazz-inspired musicianship.