[ aquarius records new arrivals — issue 119 ]

Showing results 51 through 100 of 101.

LOPEZ, FRANCISCO & ZBIGNIEW KARKOWSKIWhint(.absolute.)2cd$ 19.98

Another of Zbig's many projects, this time recorded in cahoots with the equally prolific minimal (often barely audible!) composer Francisco Lopez. On "Whint" these two experimental electronic superstars collaborated in creating shared "sound materials" and

LOST HORIZONAwakening the World(Koch / Music For Nations)cd$ 15.98

Much debate has occurred between the metalheads here at AQ because of this cd. Originally, we saw an ad for this record in a magazine, and knew, by the cover alone, that this was going to be the best 'power metal' record ever. Hell, maybe the best record Let's start with the cover (and the ad we saw): four post apocalyptic Mad Max-ish war-painted metal warriors strut purposefully through the clouds above some sort of battlefield, where blindfolded human puppets are controlled by humanoids with the heads of pigs, vultures, and what appears to be badgers. The back of the cd of course shows our metallic heroes in complete control, with the animal-headed humans chained up and being whipped mercilessly by the members of Lost Horizon. Then there's the band members names and their Lost Horizon duties: Cosmic Antagonist: "Orchestrating of thunder and seismic harmonising." Ethereal Magnanimus: "Laments of the souls and primal victorious warrior cries." Preternatural Transmogrifyer: "Keeping of the Universe's pulse and taming of chaos." Transcendental Protagonist: "Poesy of spiritual enlightenment, the entire string romanticism, soul healing euphoria generators." And for those confused by all this, each band member has an 'earthshape' which is apparently their real name, and a 'translation for mortals', i.e. "Keeping of the Universe's pulse and taming of chaos" means -drums- to us mortals. So if you're anything like me, you're sold already, who cares what it sounds like? Well happily enough, this is some of the most kick ass power metal we've heard in a while. Blazing fast Iron Maiden/In Flames/Blind Guardian style epic and over the top power metal. The difference here being the extreme catchiness of the songs, the complete silliness of the band, and some really cool and quite bizarre arrangements. So for those of you already into power metal and classic eighties metal, this is a must have, and for those of you who aren't sure and are looking to try something like this, I can't think of a better place to start than Lost Horizon. They're from Sweden, if it matters -- although I think they'd prefer we thought they came from some metallic universe beyond.

MADLIB / CUT CHEMIST6 Variations of in the Rain / Bunky's Pick(Stones Throw)12"$ 7.98

Two excellent DJs offer side-long excursions of cut up voices, breakbeats, wonky scratching and tons of groove. Very very fun, along the lines of Z-trip, DJ Quest, and of course Cut Chemist's other solo work. For Future Primitive Soundsession regulars and

MANGUM, JEFFLive at Jittery Joe's(Orange Twin)cd$ 11.98

Finally in stock, the long awaited solo acoustic live set by Neutral Milk Hotel's beloved Jeff Mangum, about whom I simply cannot be objective -- the two NMH records *still* make me cry everytime I listen to them, they're that lovely and touching and This show is super lo-fi (the venue is a cofeehouse), but the performance is quite focused and heartfelt. Contains songs that will be familiar to NMH fans, plus a few others, a cover of Phil Spector's "I Love How You Love Me", and best of all, the entire concert is also playable as a 48 minute film on your computer! Comes with no liner notes to speak of but there is a nice foldout poster. On Orange Twin, the new label started by Mangum and Elf Power's Laura Carter. Since there's no track listing, we'll provide that for ya here: Intro / A Baby for Pree / Glow Into You / 2 Headed Boy / I Will Bury You in Time / Gardenhead / 2 Headed Boy Part 2 / I Love How You Love Me / Engine / Naomi / Jesus Christ / Up and Over We Go / Oh Comely.

MIGHTY HANNIBAL, THEHannibalism!(Norton)cd$ 14.98

Collected on cd for the first time, Norton unleases 75 minutes of classic R&B/soul/funk singles sides from turban-wearing singer, including such great cuts as "Big Chief Hug-Um An' Kiss-Um", "Jerkin' The Dog", "Fishin' Pole", "The Truth Shall Make You Free"

MORODER, GIORGIOThe Best of...(Repertoire)cd$ 15.98

What with the current retro electro boogie wonderkinds like Adult. and Ladytron, this is a more than timely release of that suave disco dance-meister with the bad-ass moustache, Giorgio Moroder. "Best of" may be a bit of a misnomer though as this compilation

MORRICONE, ENNIOIl Buono, Il Brutto, Il Cattivo(GDM)cd$ 16.98

Also known as "The Good, The Bad & The Ugly", this is Ennio Morricone's most famous movie theme. Contains ten tracks *not* on the 1966 original soundtrack. We have this on cd (Italian title) and also on LP -- 180 gm virgin vinyl gatefold double LP with poster.

MORRICONE, ENNIOThe Good, The Bad and The Ugly(Dagored)lp$ 16.98

Also known as "The Good, The Bad & The Ugly", this is Ennio Morricone's most famous movie theme. Contains ten tracks *not* on the 1966 original soundtrack. We have this on cd (Italian title) and also on LP -- 180 gm virgin vinyl gatefold double LP with poster.

MUSIC EMPORIUMs/t(Sundazed)cd$ 12.98

When the first line of lyrics you hear on a record are something about "velveteen clouds" you know you're listening to something psychedelic -- in this case, a reissue of the rare 1969 album by LA psych-popsters the Music Emporium. Swirling organ, fuzz

MUSICA ELETTRONICA VIVASpacecraft(Alga Marghen)cd$ 16.98

International collective MEV originated in Rome in the mid-sixties as a vehicle for the live performance of electronic music. Seeking to transform "occupied space" into "created space," the group attempted improvs that might result in any three equally valid outcomes: space would be transcended immediately, "magically;" or only after necessary duration as the result of hard work;

MY MORNING JACKETAt Dawn(Darla)2cd$ 16.98

Two discs worth of scruffy, rootsy, bluesy country-rock from a Louisville, KY band led by the young-Neil-Young vocal stylings of Jim James. Often slow and meandering, these recordings reverberate with an echo-y, cavernous, old hall feel. Very atmospheric,

NAGELFARVirus West(Ars Metalli)cd$ 14.98

The third album of real serious, advanced black metal from these serious, advanced Germans. Their previous effort incorporated an experimental electronica element, but this one seems to discard that idea (perhaps as being too trendy and gimmicky -- heck

NEUROSISA Sun That Never Sets(Relapse)cd$ 16.98

The new, eagerly awaited full-length from the Bay Area's biggest metal band -- whoops, are they really a metal band anymore? They really haven't embraced that tag for a while now, if ever, being more artsy and tribal and droney and avantgarde than what most

NURSE WITH WOUNDThunder Perfect Mind(Drag City)lp$ 14.98

Any Nurse With Wound release on vinyl is most highly coveted. Always with gorgeous artwork to match the sonic artistry within. So this release is a welcome -- albeit mysterious -- vinyl re-issue by Streamline via Drag City of Nurse With Wound's 1992 companion album to Current 93's of the same name. Beautiful, darkly shimmering soundscapes as assembled by Steven Stapleton and co. [among

OUBAFreak Out Total(Gear Fab)cd$ 14.98

Ouba were a French-Canadian psychedelic rock band, who released the half-hour of music found here (just two tracks, one side each of the original LP, of course) back in 1968. This disc is definitely accurately titled -- it's a freak out session for sure.

PHOENECIABrownout(Schematic)cd$ 14.98

The highly anticipated, long overdue, new full length from Miami, Florida's cinematic IDM duo Phoenecia was well worth the wait. Finely crafted and mood-altering, it achieves a successful melding of seeming opposites: claustrophobia and expanse. Fragmented,

PIG DESTROYERProwler In The Yard(Relapse)cd$ 14.98

When we first heard what the title of the new disc from East Coast grindmetal kings Pig Destroyer was called, we were making fun of it like, "oooh, scary, a prowler --- in the yard!" Somehow prowlers don't seem as scary as what most other death/black metal

POLLARD, ROBERT AND HIS SOFT ROCK RENEGADESChoreographed Man of War(Luna Music)cd$ 15.98

This record contains sweet, sad rock songs from 3 Guided By Voices alumni fronted by the seemingly inexhaustible Mr. Robert Pollard. Any fan of these gentlemen will be impressed and pleased with this record. It is very much in the same vein as previous

PRAMSomniloquy(Merge / Domino)cd$ 9.98

Birmingham darlings Pram have been around for 10 years, and have covered a lot of ground in that decade. They started out as a duo, but have expanded their ranks to include numerous contributors. Their particular lovely brand of lightly hiphop-and-jazz

PRESTON SCHOOL OF INDUSTRYGoodbye To The Edge City(Amazing Grease)cd ep$ 8.98

In preparation for the arrival of their new full length due in late August, here's five low-key yet perky pop songs from ex-Pavement guitarist Scott Kannberg (alias Spiral Stairs) and his Preston School classmates. Weep no longer, dear Pavement fans,

SAFETY SCISSORSParts Water(Plug Research)cd$ 16.98

While currently spending his days surrounded by Berlin's techno digerati, Matthew Curry (aka Safety Scissors) pines for his hometown of San Francisco... or at least that's where his musical heart still is. "Parts Water" is Safety Scissors' debut album

SEEDSThe Seeds / A Web Of Sound(Edsel )cd$ 14.98

Everyone should own these two records. If you don't already have them you should get this new reissue of both on one cd. The fucking kings of garage. The Seeds are tough and menacing with sneering vocals and a rad style. They are one of the all time great

SHARROCK, SONNYBlack Woman(4 Men With Beards)lp$ 15.98

Deluxe vinyl reissue of this until-recently-not-even-on-cd free jazz guitar holy grail! Originally released in 1969 on the Vortex label, this documents both Sonny Sharrock's pioneering guitar skronk and his then-wife Linda's equally out vocalizations, a la Yoko Ono or Patty Waters. Also appearing: Dave Burrell (piano), Milford Graves (drums), and others -- quite a cast of NYC ESP-era

SIGHImaginary Sonicscape(Century Media)cd$ 14.98

Japan's best black metal band (along with Sabbat) are back with their first US domestic release, having just been signed by big metal label Century Media. We've always been fans of their fucked-up genre-mangling horror movie soundtrack metal, and this might

SIR HEDGEHOGs/t()cd$ 11.98

Get ready for some glorious seventies-worshipping heavy rock via the self-released debut cd from this oddly named Vancouver band. Not as overtly Sabbath-derived as fellow Canadian rockers Sheavy, but similarly excellent (and Sir Hedgehog's "Bitchlord" *does*

SPAZZSweatin' 3: Skatin' Satan & Katon(Slap A Ham)cd$ 13.98

Collection number three of oldies but goodies from the bay area's own lovable masters of goofball powerviolence/fastcore. Funny and fast and heavy and ridiculous. And they're beginning to rival Tupac for number of posthumous releases. Which in this case is not a bad thing.

SQUEALERMade For Eternity(AFM)cd$ 14.98

German power metal that's just a little rougher, heavier, and ballsier than your general run of Helloween/Hammerfall clones. True, they've got catchy choruses and can write a great "pop" song, but they haven't forgotten that they're a heavy METAL band first and foremost. That said, just like on their previous album, they do a great Depeche Mode cover ("People Are People")! Like Iron Fire,

STROKES, THEHard to Explain(Rough Trade)cd ep$ 9.98

Still can't figure out what all the fuss and hype is about. If you haven't heard, The Strokes are the new big thing out of New York City (um, I guess this is how the hype machine operates, whoops). Famed UK label Rough Trade managed to get this on the charts in England, selling a gazillion copies of their single. The full-length comes out domestically in September, but here's a

SUNSHINENecromance Digital Urban Icons(Day After)cd$ 14.98

Fiery, caustic synth rock from the Czech Republic. European brethren of the San Diego / GSL scene (VSS et al). Fueled by a frenzied aggression. Previous releases have included a split 7" with At The Drive-In.

SUPERCONDUCTORbastardsong(Boner)cd$ 13.98

Not a new release, but we figured fans of the New Pornographers / Zumpano school of fantastic pop just might want to take a trip back to some pre-New Porn Carl Newman-penned weirdly wonderful hits. Superconductor were a veritable crowd of Vancouver indie rockers who were known to annually performed an honorable tribute to Neil Diamond with great aplomb, and who all too often were

TARENTELThe Order of Things(Neurot)cd$ 15.98

AQ has previously praised the post-rock instrumental drama of popular local kids Tarentel. Certainly fans of Mogwai, Godspeed You Black Emperor, and the like have found Tarentel quite enjoyable as well. Nearly two years after their stunning debut album, From Bone To Satellite, the band is back with The Order of Things, released on Neurosis' label Neurot. In addition to the traditional

TENNESSEE TWINThese Thoughts Are Occupied(Mint)7"$ 3.98

From the label that brought us Neko Case, the Corn Sisters, and the New Pornographers, it's time for a little Tennessee Twin! Legend has it that following the break-up of Allison Wolfe's band Bratmobile, Allison and her twin sister (and puppeteer extraordinaire) Cindy Wolfe had planned on collaborating forces on an old-country outfit in Olympia, WA. Well, as you may know

TENOR, JIMICosmic Relief(Sahko)12"$ 9.98

This bespectacled Finnish eccentric continues his journey into the darker corners of exotica lounge-land... often coming across as an accomplished, cocktail hour Joy Division. Sort of like a soundtrack to the dark'n'swirlies you get after one too many flaming fruity hi-balls. A great wind-down album after you've boogied the night away to the strains of the Moroder cd we've also listed

TIGHT BROS FROM WAY BACK WHENLend You A Hand(Kill Rock Stars)lp$ 10.98

One of the best bands from Olympia, Washington are back, better than ever. They (try to) sound a lot like the MC5 and other great propaganda-rock from the 70's. Though their inspirations are obvious, they stand out as a fun band that puts on one of the best

TRAILER BRIDEHigh Seas(Bloodshot)cd$ 16.98

The fourth album (their third on Bloodshot Records) from this Chapel Hill, NC quartet is a dark bewitching jewel very much along the same path as their labelmates the wonderful Sadies. Characterized by Melissa Swingle's haunting, lilting drawl, highly reverbed feline pluck and twang, and ghostly musical saw, this is the sultry music of shadows that stretch and creep across your

TWINKThe Never Never Land and Think Pink Demos(Get Back)cd$ 14.98

Droning chant, druidic prophecy, spaced-out psych jams, acid-folk ramble, and even proto-new-wave punk rockin'... you'll find all that and more on this little silver disc, which, as the title suggests, collects rare, unreleased 1969-70 demo recordings of stuff These "demos" sound great, and are essential to anyone into '60s/'70s psych. True, if you have "Think Pink" or "Never Never Land" (lucky you!) you might not *need* these versions, but I bet you'll *want* them... Tracks like "Fluid", "Do It", "Suicide", "Thor", "Ten Thousand Words In A Cardboard Box", "Dawn of Magick", and the rest give aural visions of the likes of Pink Floyd, Hawkwind, T. Rex, and even the MC5 (the American Pink Fairies, you might say). Plus, if you're a D&D player like Allan you won't be able to resist this for lyrics like "It's the place where the hobbits go / it's the place where the elves all sing / it's the place where the dwarves all play / the only place where you want to stay / Gandalf's Garden..." (from the song "Gandalf's Garden".)

TWO LONE SWORDSMENFurther Reminders(Warp)cd$ 15.98

The follow-up to "Tiny Reminders" from Andrew Weatherall (formerly of Sabres of Paradise) and Keith Tenniswood comes in the shape of a remix collection. They asked a few of their friends to have a go at some tracks from their last album. It begins (and ends) in a promising, dreamy dance beat-less manner courtesy of C-Pij but then quickly reverts into the less than thrilling,

ULVERSilence Teaches You How To Sing EP(Jester Records)cd ep$ 14.98

Formerly black metal avantgardists Ulver of Norway present 24 minutes of electonic experimental improv, a slowly-unfolding collage of organic drones and beats and clicks and field recordings and post-rock piano melody etc., that might remind you of everything The long, lone track on this limited edition ep was constructed from material recorded in a one-night "Dead City Centre jam" last February during the sessions for Ulver's most recent full-length, the love it or hate it "Perdition City". Unlike that album, though, this ep benefits from a lack of horrendous vocal and saxophone contributions! While some of Ulver's past attempts to branch out into non-black metal genres have been, as just alluded to, kinda shaky (if commendable in spirit), this stands up well in the "experimental/electronica" category. Recommended, as possibly Ulver's best post-metal effort.

V/AAsian Takeaways(Normal/QDK)lp$ 16.98

Despite the excruciatingly stupid title (why oh why must the food metaphors constantly arise, as if white people are so ignorant of Asian culture that the only thing they know about it is egg foo young and sweet and sour sauce -- aaaaaaauuuugh), this is an enjoyable compilation of kitschy east-meets-west Asian pop tunes from the '60s and '70s. Most of the tracks feature female

V/ACompilation: Information(Imperial Records)cd$ 13.98

Auckland, NZ label compilation includes tracks from AQ faves Lovely Midget and Bruce Russell among others.

V/ADarker than Blue: Soul from Jamdown 1973-1980(Blood and Fire )cd$ 14.98

Soulful, funky reggae trax from Jam-aica circa the mid to late seventies. Most of the cuts here are covers of R&B or funk hits, stuff originally by Curtis Mayfield, Kool & The Gang, War, Bobby Bland, Isley Brothers, and others -- even Randy Newman (by way of

V/ALive Sets At Ego 1998-2000(Ego Recordings)2cd$ 19.98

Two disc set documenting live performances by Sutekh, Khan, Senking, Thomas Brinkmann, Kit Clayton, Monolake and Noto among many others.

V/APop Shopping Mixed Up(Crippled Dick Hot Wax)cd$ 11.98

Another edition from this playful series. Warning: there are some painful easy listenin' tracks (for instance, track 3) that seem to have somehow escaped the quality control and the remix knife, and that are not even tolerable on the kitsch level. Nonetheless, many others kick some groovy ass butt, and are perfect for gettin' down and doin' the funky slide through the racks of your chosen

V/ATag Of The Times 3(Mary Joy)cd$ 14.98

Underground hiphop comp with contributions from many of today's hipster heavy hitters: Company Flow, Aesop Rock, Buck 65, Dose One, Shingo2, Mr. Lif, Atmosphere, Aceyalone. For fans of all things Anticon, Def Jux, and underground hip hop in general.

V/AThe Funky Precedent Vol. 2(Matador)cd$ 14.98

The successful music-education-in-urban-schools benefit compilation "Funky Precedent" from a few years back has spawned a follow-up. Again it's focused on hiphop and turntablism, but Vol.2 specifically concentrates on Bay Area artists: Rasco, Live

V/AWhat Would Jason Do? Go and Do Likewise!(!ooT,eviLnaCskcuD)2cd$ 14.98

Not sure about the whole story, something about ceramic pigs and blowdryers. But basically, a bunch of found sounds recorded on a minidisc were sent out to numerous underground electronic/experimental musicians (some well-known, some not-so), and traded and

V/AWu-Chronicles: Chapter II(Wu-Tang )cd$ 16.98

Their second compilation of rare tracks, remixes, b-sides and collaborative efforts and it's actually pretty great. Lots of tracks let some lower tier Wu Tang-ers get to show their stuff as well as a bunch of strange pairings with folks like Jon Spencer, DJ Spooky, and Gang Starr, Redman, D'Angelo.

VIAJE A 800Diablo Roto de...(Custom Heavy/Alone)cd$ 11.98

More Spanish stoner metal for ya! After the fucked up weirdness of Dirty Lust and the flowers and beads spaciness of Fooz, Viaje A 800's straight-forward blend of doom and groove is kinda refreshing. Super heavy, rockin' tunes with Spanish-language vocals.

XHOL CARAVANMotherfuckers Live(United Dairies)3cd$ 24.00

Achtung Krautrock heads! Previously unreleased live recordings by this way-out-there, pioneering German band. Xhol Caravan, who started life playing R&B as Soul Caravan in the late sixties and then mutated into Xhol Caravan (and finally, just Xhol) as their

YARBROUGH, CAMILLEIron Pot Cooker(Vanguard)cd$ 16.98

We're all pretty well acquainted with the genesis of rap in sixties and seventies in the socially conscious (nay, revolutionary) poetry of the Last Poets and Gil Scott Heron. Camille Yarbrough represents nascent hip-hop's femme-flip-side. Effortlessly phasing from poetry to song, Yarbrough's dynamic is matched by guitar player Cornell Dupree and accompanied by clarinet, and all kinds of