Serge Gainsbourg - Histoire De Melody Nelson LP

Everybody should own at least one Gainsbourg record. And "Histoire De Melody Nelson" is the quintessential piece in Gainsbourg's discography, so this is as good a place as any to get started. Light In The Attic are working on a deluxe re-issue of this classic album, which was a tribute to the "Lolita" novel and more directly to his muse and partner Jane Birkin.

"Histoire De Melody Nelson" comes on 180g vinyl in a gatefold jacket, plus inserts, an interview with Gainsbourg, etc. Definitely worth the £17,79 from Norman Records

The Appleseed Cast - Two Conversations LP

Up for pre-order is the "Two Conversations" LP by The Appleseed Cast. This is my favourite album of theirs, so I couldn't be more glad that is finally becoming available on vinyl. The first pressing is limited to 1000 copies and comes on transparent monster electric green/baby blue opaque/red and white splatter vinyl.The first 500 copies are hand-numbered. When pre-ordering you might win a test-pressing of this LP as well.

Pre-order now from Graveface Records

Russian Circles - Geneva update

The new Russian Circle album can be streamed in its entirety over at Revolver Mag. Suicide Squeeze are taking pre-orders...for the CD version...

Atlas Sound - Logos LP

Atlas Sound's new album "Logos" is becoming available as pre-order from several distributors, I'm personally going for the exclusive Rough Trade version as it comes with an exclusive CD. This bonus CD contains 6 tracks of which 3 sparkling new and 3 alternate versions. Oh yeah, Atlas Sound is the solo-bedroom project of Deerhunter frontman Bradford Cox, where he experiments with some friends and sounds he's encountered over the years. Compared to the debut LP, "Logos" is more lo-fi garage pop and less shoegaze and reminds of "Merriweather Post Pavillion" or "Person Pitch". It even has collaborations on it with ladies & gentlemen from Stereolab and ... Panda Bear.

Need I say more? Grab "Logos" from Rough Trade.

Part Chimp - Thriller LP

Anyone have any information about the vinyl version of this? I need this LP. Don't want. NEED.

Ancestors - Of Sound Mind LP pre-order box

The Ancestors "Of Sound Mind" LP that I previously wrote about, is now also available in a deluxe pre-order package edition, limited to 50 handnumbered copies.

This limited pre-order box set contains:
- Screen printed inside and out LP Kraft mailer
- Ancestors - "Of Sound Mind" LP on limited to 50 Cream / Pink Vinyl
- 12" x 12" Giclée print on 308gsm Hahnemühle German eching paper, featuring the album cover art signed and numbered by artist Derek Albeck. Edition of 50.
- Unique color way shirt w/ art work by Todd White (Deep Slumber Lake) printed on American Apparel.
- 1" Button w/ album cover art.
- Patch w/ art work by Todd White

Hurry up and get this pre-order box set for $59,99 from Tee Pee. The regular 2xLP edition is limited to 500 copies and comes on gray/blue vinyl.

Fuck Buttons - Tarot Sport LP & Surf Solar 7"

Fuck Buttons. Will they deliver? Will they live up to expectations? Will they fly high or get burnt trying? I'm betting that "Tarot Sport" is going to be one the most amazing albums of the year, so let's find out shall we? ATP Recordings recently released the "Surf Solar" Picture Disc 7" which is still available from the ATP store.


Up for pre-order is also their upcoming full-length "Tarot Sport", which is a limited 2xLP embossed edition of 1000 copies. I'm getting mine from Norman because the UK is only a small swim away and the british pound is still getting beaten down by the euro. All hail poor economic decisions which allow us eurotrash to benefit from low currencies and increase our volume in vinyl, gotsa love it! In the US the cheapest version is actually over at Tower but you might as well save on shipping costs and just order it for one extra $ from Insound

The Feelies - Fa Ce-La / Raised Eyebrows 7"

Insound are taking pre-orders for The Feelies debut 7" called "Fa Ce-La", originally released in 1979 and to date exactly 30 years later will be available exclusively through Insound, who comment: "This 7” first came out Rough Trade in 1979. It’s probably the two “peppiest” of the band’s songs from Crazy Rhythms. "Fa Ce-La" is the second track from the album and flies by so fast that you can’t tell if its all one chorus or all one verse. It's insanely catchy and frantic. There isn’t much else like it in new wave or indie rock.

The B side – “Raised Eyebrows” – is the real gem. It’s the second to last song from Crazy Rhythms and sounds like what I imagine it to be for a surfer catching a big wave. It’s a little like the Talking Heads' “Thank You for Sending Me an Angel.” It starts out with an extended peak and then explodes into a quick refrain and then it's gone. It’s about as much fun as you can have while sounding like a nerd. So, maybe it’s like the music equivalent of kicking ass at an academic decathlon."

No specific pressing information has been made available, but considering the considerable fan following for The Feelies, as well as being one of the most sought after early kult rock 7"s, get yours from Insound while supplies last and don't whine about it when they're gone again.

Sigur Ros - Takk 2xLP + 10"

One Little Indian are about to rerelease the amazing “Takk” by Sigur Ros, their first major-album and to date still a fantastic epic trip into their world of fairies, volcanoes, geishers, naked people running in woods and who the hell knows what they're singing about! This new deluxe edition comes as a very limited vinyl edition, featuring double 12" 200g vinyl and a etched one-sided 10" housed in a specially dye-cut insert. The 10″ vinyl contains the etching on one side, with "milano" on the reverse side. This is due to become very sought after, so true collectors take note and pre-order it now for £27,83 from One Little Indian. Gobbledigook!

White Hills - Dead 12"

Thrill Jockey are now accepting pre-orders for the White Hills release entitled "Dead", featuring 3 brandnew tracks and one remix of "Oceans Of Sound" by Antronhy Oh of Julian Cope's Black Sheep Band, only available on vinyl, limited to 1000 copies and bound to sell out FAST. You say Space, I say Rock! You say Psych, I say Edelic! You say Hawk, I say Wind!

Heads up to Ben at Thrill Jockey for informing me about this EP, who had the following to say about "Dead": "...who doesn't want to hear well-crafted psychedelic swirls of feedback, bottom heavy bass riffs and soaring guitar solos that take listeners on journeys into the farthest reaches of the mind, right?"

Right! So, don't have any doubts about this one. The Tortoise remix 12" sold out in no time, and so will White Hills, so grab your mommy's credit card and order it from Thrill Jockey Oh yeah, this 12" comes in a black LP jacket with spot UV gloss varnish and a posted-on art card.

Neutral Milk Hotel - In The Aeroplane Over The Sea & On Avery Island LP Reissues

Neutral Milk Hotel. Heralded by many as one of thé best and most influential indierock bands of all time. It took some time for me to believe it though. At the age of 18 their "In The Aeroplane Over The Sea" album didn't make sense to me. We're a decade later now, and maybe it's my shrivelling braincells, my increasing beerbelly or my weakening love for grunts and blastbeats, but now it also ranks way up there in my favourite records ever list. So, Merge Records decided to reissue their two albums and I couldn't be more happy about this. I don't know if Jeff Magnum is equally happy, but hey, it's not our fault that he's become a recluse caveman right?

So, Neutral Milk Hotel's "In The Aeroplane Over The Sea" and "On Avery Island" are getting the 180g vinyl treatment, and pre-orders are now up at Merge for the November 3 release date. Included are also download codes, but if you don't have these records on your ipod yet, then don't bother now. I'll be adding these LPs to my "Alltime Classic Albums" row, and so should you.

Vic Chesnutt – Skitter on Take Off LP

Hard on the heels of "At The Cut", "Skitter On Take Off" is yet another new release by Vic Chesnutt. Vapor Records claim this is Chesnutt's most dramatic record yet, what I care about is that this this album sees Chesnutt closely collaborating with another of the great singer-songwriters: Jonathan "Roadrunner" Richmann of the late Modern Lovers.

The best pre-order deal I could find is for $16,39 over at Aural Exploits

Portraits of Past - Cypress Dust Witch 12"

Portraits of Past are back...What a blast from the past, I guess their name finally caught up with them. Portraits of Past were a legendary screamoband on the Ebullition roster, and despite only having a handful of releases under their belt and a very short lifespan, they managed to somewhat become the godfathers of the genre. After they disbanded somewhere in mid 90s, their members went all over the place, for me personally the most noteworthy band after their demise was Funeral Diner.

Honestly. I'm a bit scared about this release. I knew Portraits of Past had reunited and has been playing some shows, but to see them release an EP with 4 new songs? What, 10-15 years after their last recording? I dunno, let's find out shall we and pre-order their upcoming EP from Excursions into the Abyss. Make sure to get the swirled color edition limited to 100 copies while supplies last.

Cannabis Corpse - The Weeding EP 12"

Ok, that does it: this is officially the Richmond, VI week over here at Hex. Third and definitely weirdest upcoming vinyl album from Richmond this week is the new 12" from Cannabis Corpse called "The Weeding EP" . Now, judging by the bandname, title and press release, smoking played a big part in recording this album, but that can't spoil the fun now can it? This is some fun oldschool deathmetal featuring members of Municipal Waste, Battlemaster and Parasytic, comes with crazy artwork by Andrei Bouzikov and this first pressing which is now up for pre-order is limited to 500 and comes on hot pink vinyl. Buy it from Tankcrimes

No Age - Losing Feeling 12"

Update: Pre-orders are still up at Sub Pop for $8. Insound are offering these for $12,99 but they come with a zine of unused art and inspirations from the making of the album! Images compiled and distorted by Dean Spunt, Randy Randall and Brian Roettinger - not sure if you also get this from Sub Pop.

Also, Sub Pop have made a stream available of "Losing Feeling". All you need to do is create an account which takes about 31 seconds and you can enjoy all 4 tracks 2 weeks before the official release. Or, check out one of the tracks called "You're A Target" right here:

NoAge by GMJOhn

So, here's a new single by No Age. I never actually get around these 12"s, but since their last album "Nouns" was so amazing, I figured this could just be worth the while.

Sub Pop comments: "Losing Feeling" is a new 4-song EP from our Southern Californian friends No Age. All four songs were written in the band’s practice space. “Genie” was even recorded there; the other three were recorded at Infrasonic Sound. All of it took place in Los Angeles. Losing Feeling will be available as a 12” vinyl EP and as magical, invisible, digital files, but not as a compact disc."

Order from Sub Pop directly for $8.

Floor - Below & Beyond 10LP Boxset

Available for pre-order NOW are the previously announced "Below & Beyond" Boxsets by the almighty Floor. This MASSIVE boxset contains 10 LPs, one 7", eight CDs, an exclusive t-shirt and a (roughly) 32-page booklet of writings, photos, lyrics, artwork (and more) are all to be housed in separate jackets contained within a custom cloth-bound box. Each record comes on a different color of vinyl to match to the corresponding artwork, and two etchings accompany recordings that didn't have appropriate flipsides. Booyaa.

Order this limited edition of 305 copies NOW from Robotic Empire. OK, it's $250, but this seems like one of the best purchases one can make this year - and those who don't will regret this for many many many years to come. Torche collectors take note: yes, you want this as well.

Here's more info from the label: It's pretty rare when a band comes along that creates something truly unique. Scarcer still are multiple standout recordings from the same group. Rarest of all is one who amasses a large body of work that varies greatly, yet consistently remains impressive.

Southern Florida's FLOOR were around for roughly 10 years and recorded well over a dozen times during their on-and-off existence. Nearly 100 tracks are the result of a decade of persistence amid overall underappreciation, and only in the wake of their demise did underground audio followers finally take note. Their huge body of work yielded only a few officially released records, and most of what the band recorded just collected dust in the vaults. Finally, everything ever laid down to tape by this truly ahead-of-their time(s) outfit has been compiled into one massive release.

From the living rooms and basements of 1992 to the studios of 2001/2002, FLOOR had an incredible evolution from the GODFLESH and early-MELVINS-inspired sludge worship, to the unrivaled sugary doom/pop amalgamation which would eventually pave the way for TORCHE, HOUSE OF LIGHTNING and others. The changes in sound from recording-to-recording means the sheer variation of style (and audio fidelity) witnessed throughout this collection is astounding, and when dating these recordings against what would eventually follow, it becomes crystal clear that FLOOR were consistently operating on that fabled "next level".

It is with great honor and elation that we are able to present the Below & Beyond Box Set to you. After many years in the making, FLOOR is finally able to conclude their existence with this extensive collection.

Cloak/Dagger - Lost Art LP

While we're in Richmond, Virginia: Cloak/Dagger are another of those bands that have been getting quite some attention these last few years and are now getting all excited about releasing their sophomore album "Lost Art" on Jade Tree. Now, Cloak/Dagger have every reason to be excited because their debut album "We Are" was an impressive record with influences of DC-hardcore, Drive Like Jehu, Hot Snakes and The Bronx. Judging by the songs on their myspace, this new record sees them dropping some of their "garage" weight and going for a more straight-on melodic hardcore approach. Besides, these guys know what they're doing as the members used to be in bands such as Count Me Out, American Nightmare, Striking Distance, Trial by Fire and Renee Heartfelt. They know how to write a record, and they have enough experience to make the trip down memorylane credible, whilst still creating a catchy and modern sound at the same time.

Jade Tree are looking at a November 3 release date for "Lost Art", so head over there and pre-order your copy whenever you're ready for it.

Strike Anywhere - Iron Front LP

Richmond, Virginia's melodic hardcore outfit Strike Anywhere are back with a new album called "Iron Front". I've always had mixed feelings about Strike Anywhere. The plusses are that they're outspoken about their political views, that they have the bassist of Count Me Out in their ranks and that their songs are incredibly catchy. On the downside, they're just a bit too melodic for my taste, their vocalist hasn't washed his hair in over 10 years and when thinking of Richmond, Virginia I'm more bound to think of Avail than of Strike Anywhere, but that's beyond their powers of course.

"Iron Front" is (I think) their first for Bridge9 Records, their last album dates about 3 years back on Fat Wreck. Anyone into melodic hardcore-punk will want this, so rush over to Bridge9 and chose your favourite color: pink, green or clear vinyl.

Elder - Reflect LP

Elder is a new band featuring members of some (defunct?) Philly powerhouses such as Balboa and Towers. Their new LP "Reflect" is due any day now from Forge Again Records, and anyone into epic hardcore with a touch of screamo should definitely give this a try. I'm listening to some tracks their myspace while writing this and bands like Envy and Grade come to mind, as well as the more epic passages that could have been written by their former bands as well but which remind me most of what Battlefields does, and then there's a touch let's say Majority Rule. Hey, they have Drew from Translation Loss Records on drums! How nice!

Enough with the comparisons and name dropping already. Check out Elder is you like any of the aforementioned bands and head over to Forge Again where you can chose between a wide variety of pre-order packages. The LP is limited to "300ish copies" on yellow/black-ish vinyl and comes standard with a free CD-version. Upgrades to the package include a shirt, their debut 10", etc.

Melt-Banana - Initial T. 7"

Init Records are releasing a new EP by Japan's noisemakers Melt Banana. On October 1st, this 7" will be released and will most likely soon be gone, not in the least thanks to the amazing artwork by Aaron Horkey.

This first pressing is limited to 1000 copies of which 200 on blue marble vinyl, 200 on mixed vinyl, 600 on black vinyl. All 7"s include a download card as well, so there's no stopping you in ordering this gem from Init

Frank Turner - The First Three Years 2xLP

Goddamn this is one ugly record. Seriously, it's a good idea to bundle some of Frank Turner's records, and it's definitely good to see it released on vinyl, but this artwork is so ugly, it makes it basically impossible for me to be stoked about this. Don't get me wrong, I liked Million Dead and have only recently discovered the man's solo-work which I seriously appreciate, but I can't stand ugly vinyl standing on my shelves.

If you can, good for you! Order the limited white vinyl with red/black splatters edition from Paper And Plastic

Nurse With Wound - Existence 4LP + 10" Boxset

Nurse With Wound have been going at it for 30 years by now, and to celebrate that anniversary, Vinyl On Demand Records will soo be releasing the "Flawed Existence" 4XLP + 10" Box, containing almost 5 hours of harsh noise music, from their early existence, featuring:

-2hours of their official tape-releases Scrag, Nylon Coverin and Mi Mort
- 1 hour of tape-comp-only tracks,
- 1 hour our of their first two live performances in 1984,
- a 37-minute 10" with unreleased material from 1983
To top things off, the boxset set comes with an exclusive T-shirt and an embossed poster. All this noisefun for only $99,99 from Vinyl On Demand

Magnolia Electric Co. - Rider, Shadow, Wolf b/w Josephine 7"

Just on time for their forthcoming European tour, Magnolia Electric Co. are releasing a brandnew 7" tomorrow, which sees the the band bring "a surf-rock dynamic to its signature punch. This is where the tired rider, just having battled the desert, meets the eternity of an ocean." on opener "Rider, Shadow, Wolf". On the B-sides comes "Josephine" which was also recently on their latest album, but this stripped down version was recorded during sessions for the collaborative album from Molina and Will Johnson of Centro-matic.

Get it now from Secretely Canadian

Brendan Benson - My Old, Familiar Friend LP

Brendan Benson has recently made one heck of a new album with "My Old, Familiar Friend". If his name doesn't ring a bill, how does The Raconteurs sound to you? That's right, besides his solo-work, Benson also plays in The Raconteurs, and thanks to Jack White and his other friends, Benson's solo-work will now finally get the attention and success it deserves. Forget The Raconteurs, think classic power pop in the Seventies AM-gold mode of Wings, ELO and The Cars.

The best deal I could find out there, is from Music Direct as they're selling the "My Old, Familiar Friend" 180g gatefold LP with the following extra's: CD, 7" and poster for only €19,99.

John K. Samson - City Route 85 7"

John K. Samson is about to release a bunch of 7"s through Anti. The first one comes from Germany's Grand Hotel van Cleef Records to support his upcoming German tour and is entitled "City Route 85", which is"otherwise known as Portage Avenue, one of the main streets in Winnipeg, and the songs are set in three different locations along the avenue". Remember "I hate Winnipeg"? Well, John K. Samson used to be the frontman of The Weakerthans, who I sincerely hated. His solo singer-songwriter stuff sounds pretty good, less nasal, less annoying though, so I'm definitely giving this first 7" a chance and am grabbing the pre-order from GHvC for €6,00.

The Hope Conspiracy - True Nihilist 7"

There's a special edition of the latest The Hope Conspiracy 7" called "True Nihilist" becoming available tomorrow. This edition is limited to 100 copies and comes with the 7", an exclusive t-shirt and an amazing print. This package sets you back $45 from http://www.shirtsanddestroy.com/, so remember to buy this when you wake up tomorrow.

Update: SOLD OUT.

Chuck Ragan - Gold Country LP

Chuck Ragan's newest album "Gold Country" came out a couple of weeks ago and it's been growing on me. As reported earlier, Chuck Ragan used to be the frontman of the legendary Florida emo-act Hot Water Music. "Gold Country" comes on limited gold vinyl in an edition of 500 copies, order now from Merch Lackey for only $8,00.

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.

Boris - Japanese Heavy Rocks Vol. 1 7"

Volume 1 in the Boris "Japanese Heavy Rocks" series is now available from Southern Lord

The package containing all 7"s in this series is already sold out, so don't sit on this.

Grief No Absolution - Eurostopodus Argus/Crypsis 10" + 7"

Grief No Absolution is a solo drone project from some remote place in Australia, who recently released two bundled vinyl releases: The "Crypsis" 7" and the "Eurostopodus Argus" 10". Though the music on these 2 formats is quite different, what you can expect is bleak metal, noise and drones. This is what happens when you put Wolf Eyes in the same room as Khanate with Nadja in the background. Scary stuff, so check out the track "Bewildering Predation" and if you hear what you like, order this limited 10"+7" (500 copies) and get a free download code as well, from Flingco Sound
BewilderingPredation by GMJOhn

Monsters Of Folk - online stream

Update: stream the entire Monsters Of Folk album over at 3voor12

Ringworm - The Promise LP

This is as classic as it gets. Ringworm's "The Promise" is thé ultimate clevo-hardcore record and to date is still one of the hardest albums in my collection. Ringworm were one of the meanest and harshest hardcore bands out there, who shared the territory and mentality the other Clevo "Holy Terror" band Integrity. I don't know if kids nowadays are still into Ringworm at all, but they should be! The folks at A389 Records definitely respect their classics and acquired the rights to re-issue "The Promise", and they went all out with it.

You can now pre-order just the LP which comes on color vinyl and is limited to 700 copies, or you can get the Deluxe Preorder packages, which comes with:
- Gold/Red split colored vinyl (limited to 300 preorders only)
- 8 page booklet insert of old flyers/photos
- Ringworm 1991 Demo 7" (limited to 300 preorders only/will not be sold separately)
- Gluttons s/t 7" (Black vinyl only available with Ringworm preorder - Human Furnace/Dora's new band. Think Ringworm/Motorhead/Discharge)

Sounds good right? Right! Pre-order now from A389

EyeHateGod - Confederacy of Ruined Lives LP

New Orleans' EyeHateGod are seeing their last album "Confederacy of Ruined Lives" reissued on vinyl, and here's one ugly Belgian kid being siked about it! You see, EyeHateGod are one of the legendary bands in the southern doom / sludge metal NOLA scene amongst Crowbar, Soilent Green, Down and Outlaw Order - no coincidence that the 2 latter bands also feature members of EyeHateGod. Honestly, "Confederacy of Ruined Lives" isn't their best record, for that you need to get into "Dopesick", but these guys can't do much wrong in my book.

This LP re-issue is limited to 500 copies, of which 400 on black and 100 on white vinyl with tan/black splatters. All LPs are hand numbered and come encased in a deluxe triple gatefold! It's expensive, but worth it, so pre-order yours from I'm Better Than Everyone

Jay Farrar & Ben Gibbard - One Fast Move or I'm Gone; Kerouac's Big Sur LP

Ben Gibbard and Jay Farrar recorded the "One Fast Move or I’m Gone" album in only three days. That was the most boring opening line I could think of.

Now, let's make noise! Jay Farrar (Son Volt, Uncle Tupelo) and Benjamin Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie, The Postal Service) teamed up for the soundtrack to the upcoming "One Fast Move or I'm Gone; Kerouac's Big Sur" movie/documentary. The story behind Kerouac's novel is told by John Ventimiglia (Artie Bucco!), and features a slew of musicians/artists/writers who tell how "Big Sur" inspired them. "Big Sur" is the first book I ever read by Keroauc, and to date is still my favourite, so you can imagine I'm quite excited and curious about this movie.

As for the music, besides being written by the two aformentioned guys, what is also worth mentioning is that all lyrics were taken directly from the pages of Kerouac's book, and judging by the trailer, sets the mood perfectly through a lonely, foresaken, intimate trip into the past.

The 180g vinyl album comes with the DVD in the sleeve, and is available for pre-order now from Keroauc Movie

Eternal Tapestry - The Invisible Landscape LP

"The Invisible Landscape" is the newest album by Eternal Tapestry on the Not Not Fun label. This is as fuzzed out psychedelic krautrock as it gets and boy does this Portland outfit deliver! If bands like Wooden Shjips, Hawkwind or even Jackie-O-Motherfucker do it for you, so will Eternal Tapestry.

This new album which comes on randomly colored LPs (hues range from silt grey to swamp green and beyond) in pro-printed jackets with art by the band plus a photocopied insert is limited to 500 copies and available from Norman Records or Aquarius

EternalTapestry-Cosmic Dream by GMJOhn

Comanechi - Crime of Love LP

Comanechi are hot! This UK duo is gearing up to release their "Crime Of Love" LP, the first for Merok Records after a slew of 7" releases. What's so hot about them (well, besides vocalist Akiko)? Some lady called Kim Gordon had the following to say: "Comanechi make me want to punch holes in Thurston's face until I can fuck it." Wow!

Akiko Matsuura who handles drums & vocals like she also does in The Big Pink, Sperm Javelin and PRE, but Comanechi are MUCH heavier and noisier than those. Guitarist Petrovitch plays straight-up Slayer-esque riffs at times, grunts a bit or goes for the dazed & confused feral feedbacking, which makes Comanechi a violent yet sexy menace to the senses. Comparisons range from Bikini Kill to nowadays Boris, from Spacemen 3, from Slayer to Yeah Yeah Yeahs. You be the judge of it and check out their myspace then place your pre-order before the November 30 release date at Merok

Eric Copeland - Al Anon LP

Eric Copeland's second part in the "Alien In A Garbage Dump" series, called "Al Anon" is one crazy looking slab of vinyl that has recently come available from Catsup Plate. Eric Copeland is better known for his role in the noise collective known as Black Dice, so don't expect anything too accessible on this album.

"Al Anon" is limited to 500 copies with black and white screenprinted collage artwork by Copeland himself. Order it from Catsup Plate.

Oh yeah, I wisened up a bit. Every once in a while, you'll be able to listen to some tracks over here; like the one below. If I'm not too lazy that is. We'll see.

Eric Copeland - Al Anon by GMJOhn

Pulled Apart By Horses / Holy State - split 7"

Holy Roar Records are taking pre-orders for the upcoming Pulled Apart By Horses / Holy State split 7" due October 5th. Don't know Holy State to be frank, but Pulled Apart By Horses have been gaining quite some attention in the UK thanks to their addictive uptempo post-hardcore that reminds of The Bronx, The Hives and Future Of The Left. Pre-order this picture disc 7" limited to 500 copies from Holy Roar

Lords - Fuck All Y'all Motherfuckers LP

Up for pre-order is a limited edition of Lords' latest record "Fuck All Y'all Motherfuckers" in suppport of their European tour. Need an update? Lords are a Lousiville, KY band who like all of the Louisville, KY bands have members of other inbred bands over there such as Coliseum, Black Cross and Lickgoldensky to name a few.

"Fuck All Y'all Motherfuckers" was released earlier this year by Black Market Activities and is the follow-up to their crusing "Swords" album on Jade Tree. With 16 songs in a mere 23 minutes, you know what to expect: trashy, brutal, fast-paced hardcore punk that sounds like a violent mix of Black Flag, Melvins, Jesus Lizard and Slayer.

As these boys are hitting the European roads in December, Destructure Records are now taking pre-orders for the European Tour edition of "FAYMF', which is limited to 300 copies on colored vinyl, 100 on white, 200 on blue vinyl and comes with crazy artwork by Stan Doll (big business, daughters, etc)

Rise And Fall - Our Circle Is Vicious LP

It's raining new releases at Deathwish. Up for pre-order is "Our Circle Is Vicious" by the Belgian hardcore beast known as Rise And Fall. These guys don't especially like me, but being from the same country and all and admittingly are one hell of a band, they deserve the attention. Unity!

Rise And Fall are still influenced by the Clevo-sound from the 90s, but on "Our Circle Is Vicious" they seem to have slowed down a bit and become less "mosh", as you can for yourself on the 2 new tracks they have up on their myspace.. Pretty cool to see a Belgian band on the infamous Deathwish label, let alone recording an album with Kurt Ballou (for the 2nd time already), there aren't many European bands who get that kind of support overseas.

If you're in need of a harsh, bleak, pummelling hardcore record to get through the fall, pre-order it now from Deathwish and get a free download code when doing so.

Converge - Axe To Fall LP

The longawaited Converge LP "Axe To Fall" is now up for pre-order, and if you're into Converge, you're probably way ahead of me and have ordered it by now. I would as well, but my Visa was recently fraudulently used by some unknown wanker to purchase tickets to Marocco, so now I'm royally screwed.

Converge are one of those few bands that I own everything from. I wouldn't call myself a collector, but I caught onto them early on in their "Halo In The Haystack" days and am glad I did. Ok, not everything they've done is great, especially "You Fail Me" was a dissapointment, but "Jane Doe" is obviously a Magnum Opus, and even the last record "No Heroes" has some fantastic tracks on it, especially worth mentioning is "Grim Heart/Black Rose" with Jonah Jenkins.

So, they're back with a new record. The first MP3 they made available on their myspace sounded very promising, so I'm hoping for the best So, pre-ordering has become possible as of yesterday (sorry peeps, I was sleeping, different time zones and all), both through epitaph.com and deathwishinc.com. I was hoping for a gatefold edition, but no. Anyway, here comes the tricky part. There are three vinyl colorways of this release available through Deathwish, and if you order multiple copies they'll do their best to get you all available colorways. These puppies have no pressing information. The exclusive edition that Epitaph has is limited to 500 copies and comes on tan vinyl. (pictured above) Then again, as Deathwish is licensing this album, I'm confused as to what colours they have. Anyway, good luck!

Gary Higgins - Seconds LP

Gary Higgins is a kult figure in the americana-folk world. Not only did his break-through album "Red Hash" get little support due to the fact that the man was imprisoned for 3 years, this sophomore album "Seconds" took 35 years in the making! "Seconds" is a melancholic piece of folk in the Nick Drake legacy, by a man who has lived life and looks back at it.

If you still haven't ordered Om's "God Is Good", you might as well pre-order this LP as well from Drag City

Shrinebuilder - s/t 2xLP

Here it is. Shrinebuilder's self-titled debut album is available for pre-order from Insound. Check out the first track of their album on their myspace and get with the program. Not genius, but it does actually sound like a solid mix of the members' main bands and it definitely makes me long for more.

Insound comments: "not so much a band name as a statement of intent. Not a one-off suopergroup, but rather the first chapter in what promises to be an epic narrative. More to the point, though - Shrinebuilder is the meeting of musical monoliths, the Justice League of underground heaviness: Scott "Wino" Weinrich of Saint Vitus, The Obsessed, Spirit Caravan, and The Hidden Hand on guitar: Al Cisneros of Om and Sleep on bass; Dale Crover of Melvins and Altamont on drums; Scott Kelly of Neurosis on guitar. And all four of them on vocals. With these four living legends in the room, the term "highly anticipated" doesn't even come close.

Recorded in just three days, a sufficiently superhuman time-frame for a group of musicians who often pass for superhuman themselves in certain circles, Shrinebuilder delivers on the tacit promise of a riff-roaring Winow+Neurosis+Om+Melvins power-psych explosion, but it also delivers a sum that no one could have anticipated. You'll just have to listen to find out!"

Oren Ambarchi / Lasse Marhaug - Devil Wolf Men 7"

Oren Ambarchi is back, this time collaborating with Lass Marhaug, one of the most prolific Norwegian noise makers. The "Devil Wolf Men" 7" is a documentation of Ambarchi and Marhaug's tour of China in 2005 and was recorded live and in the studio. Haven't heard any of this yet, but definitely sounds and looks interesting. Get it from Pica Disk

Dirty Projectors - Temecula Sunrise 12"

Dirty Projectors have a new EP coming up entitled "Temecula Sunrise", which comes available on 12" format on October 19 through Domino. This new EP comes hot on the heels of their break-through album "Bitte Orca" which was a recognition of years of hard work for this Brooklyn indie outfit. I personally only caught on to them thanks to their "Dark Was The Night" collaboration with David Byrne. As far as I can tell, the "Temecula Sunrise" 12" features 2 new tracks, and 2 tracks from the "Bitte Orca" album. If you care, get yours from Domino Records

Dead Friends - s/t LP

Dead Friends from Gainesville, FL are a new chaotic hardcore band, featuring members of Asshole Parade, Religious As Fuck and Chronic Youth. Most comparisons refer to Assfactor 4, I'll go with it, so if any of these bands rings a bell, you'll know what Dead Friends are all about.

Their self-titled full-length is limited to 800 copies of which 100 copies on clear vinyl. The record was recorded by Jon Nunez (Torche, Shitstorm), the front cover is a 2 color silk screen with art by ZZ Obesity (Bodyrot, Cult Ritual). Also comes with a 20 page booklet and a sticker all in a re-sealable bag. Sweet! Don't hesistate, and get it from Pure Pain Sugar

Iggy Pop - Lust For Life & The Idiot LP Reissues

4 Men With Beards are re-releasing two absolute classics in the history of post-punk, let's be frank and just say rock music in general. Both Iggy Pop's "Lust For Life" and "The Idiot" albums, the first two solo-albums and commonly regarded as best albums as well, are getting the 180g vinyl treatment again.

After recovering from the substance abuse during and after The Stooges, Iggy Pop came across a fellow called David Bowie while he was in his Berlin-era, and Mr Bowie was so kind to co-write and co-produce these 2 albums, an influence you can stronly hear, especially on "The Idiot". So, what you get here is 2 icons on 2 remastered LP's. If I were me, which I am, I'm getting jiggy with it at Norman Records to find this in my mailbox late October.

Mudhoney - LP Reissues

Saw two bands on the Sub Pop roster last night; Blitzen Trapper and Fleet Foxes, both were nothing short of amazing. Picked up the Fleet Foxes "Your Protector" 7" and the Blitzen Trapper "Furr" LP which came signed by the band. My girl also picked up the "Black River Killer" CDEP, I'll be waiting on a vinyl version of that.

So, speaking of Sub Pop, they've gone digging in their backcatalogue again, and are now taking pre-orders for the vinyl re-issues of some Mudhoney classics. The lucky albums are "Superfuzz Bigmuff" which come on grey/off-black vinyl, "Mudhoney" on magenta/purple-y vinyl, and "Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge" on salmon-y orange vinyl. All 3 have been completely remastered and come with download codes so you can carry them around with ya.

Pre-order now from Sub Pop

Hatred Surge - Deconstruct LP

Update: now also available from 20 Buck Spin

Definitely one of best and most hyped powerviolence / grindcore /d-beat bands of the moment, Hatred Surge have a new LP out on Rescued For Life. These will probably be sold out by the time you read this, but you might get lucky, so whip out your creditcard and pay the following amount:$15ppd USA$18ppd Canada/ Mexico$26ppd Europe$28ppd Asia/ Australia.Only available at Rescued For Life Records via paypal to: rescuedfromlife@yahoo.com