Omar Rodriguez Lopez - Xenophanes LP & Los Sueños De Un Higado LP

Omar Rodriguez Lopez is another one of those artists who releases new music on such a rapid pace that even Usain Bolt can't keep up with. That doesn't mean that the quality of all this output is equally high all the time though. I think many will agree with me that thusfar true "high points" in his career were "Relationship of Command" and "De-loused In The Comatorium", but honestly, I found "A Manual Dexterity" charming because it was his first solo-effort but after that my attention for the man somehow faded, in parallel with growing The Mars Volta dissapointing discography. Nevertheless, the man is a hero, a legend of sorts even.

So, as announced in some interviews a while back, Omar Rodriguez Lopez is now gearing up to release not 1, not 2, but 3 new studio albums. The first one entitled "Xenophanes" is now up for pre-order, as well as a pre-order for the live album "Los Sueños De Un Higado" which will only be available on vinyl and as download. Pre-order both LPs from the man directly at Rodriguez Lopez Productions

Zun Zun Egui - Bal La Poussiere 12"

Zun Zun Egui are about to release their debut 3 track 12" entitled "Bal La Poussière" on Blank Tapes Records. ZZE are a new Bristol, UK outfit, who I'm guessing will stun many amongst us with their freaky, experimental yet danceable mix of no fi, krautrock and funk. Comparisons? Well, following bands are mostly cited, Sun Ra, Boredoms, Fugazi, Can, Funkadelic, etc, for me personally Zun Zun Egui are more in the lines of The Mars Volta meets The Velvet Underground meets Yeasayer.

They're embarking on a tour with Fuck Buttons (expect a post about 'Tarot Sport' any day now) in the next few weeks, and Cargo are already taking pre-orders for the October 19 release date.

The Mars Volta - Octahedron 2xLP

"Octahedron", the fifth studio-album by The Mars Volta is finally seeing the light of day on vinyl. Not only is "Octahedron" somewhat a return to form for them, meaning one of their most accesible albums since "Deloused", this is also a band that has a lot of attention for detail and quality, which always shows on their vinyl releases, so the "Octahedron" 2xLP is a safe buy. I always end up getting my Mars Volta LP's from my grandma for christmas - although i to have to buy it and wrap it first of course - so I'm guessing this will once again make my day on jebus day!

This time around the LP comes on white vinyl and is housed in a double gatefold sleeve, with deluxe spot-gloss printing on gatefold. Limited edition custom-made printed outer "orange peel vinyl" sleeve, full color inner sleeves and full color labels. This 2xLP is supposed to be pretty limited, but no further pressing information has been disclosed, but don't worry about that and just get yours from Insound

The Mars Volta - Is Anybody There? 2xLP

This seemingly came out of nothing. Only weeks after the release of Octahedron, The Mars Volta are back with a live album entitled "Is Anybody There?". I have many, many, many questionmarks flagging this record, like amongst others:

- The Mars Volta concerts can either be amazing or a boring trip down shroomlane.

- A live recording, love it or hate it, taken at Lowlands, a huge outdoor festival in Holland suggests a rather subpar quality

- This has BOOTLEG written all over it since there's no official information about this record, and the Emek artwork is ripped off a poster he did for them.

However, this was recorded way back in 2003, and only features songs from thier first and best album "Deloused in the Comatorium", plus 2 demo tracks - it doesn't say if these are actual demo recordings or just those 2 songs live as well. But hey, even if it's no official release, it looks nicely done and it's The Mars Volta right!? These puppies will go fast, and like most bootlegs will double in price before you can pronounce the singer's full name, so hurry up and get one or more at http://www.auralexploits.com/