OMG Vinyl... Because Records Sound Better

NNA Is Putting Out Some Great Vinyl…

Mitchell Nature — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:03:57 +0000

NNA, previously one of my favorite tape-only labels, has transitioned into doing some pretty amazing vinyl. Their “Daydream Repeater” LP by Co-La is one of the cooler releases I’ve heard in awhile. It’s a sunny, weird ride through bedroom exotica, crossing almost every beach-dusted genre you can think of along the way. At it’s core though, it’s an amazing, chilled-out dancefloor piece, as if a blunted Madlib were playing a club night. We are in love with it, clearly, and the LP costs only $15 via NNA.

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Their second new release is “Stay Asleep (Regression Vol. 2)” by Wolf Eyes’ Nate Young. Mr. Young has essentially abandoned his noise roots here though, instead exploring a gritty, grimy brand of horror soundtrack creep. Like sounds from the best 80′s grindhouse terrors, this record will make your skin crawl. Same price, $15. Same place, NNA.

[See post to listen to audio]

Chuck Johnson “A Struggle Not A Thought” LP

Mitchell Nature — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:02:07 +0000

Chuck Johnson was a new name to me, though he’s been around for years in bands like Spatula, Idyll Swords, and Shark Quest. His new gig is virtuosic picking of the steel-stringed guitar, and this one is a real beauty. We’ve been covering some great guitar albums lately, this one stands right up there with the best. Give it a listen, then get the LP for $15 from Strange Attractors’ Bandcamp.

Zac Nelson “Sound A Sleep Sound” LP

Mitchell Nature — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:01:43 +0000

Between other now-sold-out LPs on Bathetic, I kinda missed this stunner by Zac Nelson. I’d heard so much good about it though, I knew I had to check it out. Nelson, best known as a member of CHLL PLL and Hex Love, specializes in a warm, fuzzy crawl that stands as the polar opposite to most of the cold, abrasive drone and noise being released today. “Sound A Sleep Sound” is like the cozy, comforting blanket that almost saved your bad trip. Pretty great. Get the LP, limited to 250 copies, for $14 via Bathetic.

“Cloud Mine” by Zac Nelson from Bathetic Records on Vimeo.

Pierrot Lunaire “Theme for Ascension and Eternal Love” 7″

Mitchell Nature — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:00:37 +0000

Hooker Vision, the label lovingly run by Grant Evans (Nova Scotian Arms) and Rachel Evans (Motion Sickness of Time Travel) proudly released this crazy vinyl debut from Pierrot Lunaire. “Theme for Ascension and Eternal Love” is not a straightforward piece of music. Instead, it’s a mind-bending, world-shifting piece of pure experimentalism. Driven by sax and electronics, this should reveal new layers upon every repeat listen. The 7″ comes on green vinyl and is limited to only 200 copies. Get one for $11 shipped at Hooker Vision.

Gunn-Truscinski Duo “Ocean Parkway” LP Preorder

Mitchell Nature — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:26:42 +0000

Three Lobed Recordings just posted the preorder for the newest album by the Gunn-Truscinski Duo, “Ocean Parkway”. If you were at all a fan of “Sand City”, their last release, you’re going to love this one. It takes their brand of Americana psychedelia even further, as guitarist and percussionist have almost melded into one here. You owe it to yourself to hear this one, don’t miss it. The LP is limited to 750 copies and costs $19 shipped via Three Lobed.

[See post to listen to audio]

The Drum “Heavy Liquid” 12″ EP

Mitchell Nature — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:52:56 +0000

We are downright in love with this new EP from The Drum. “Heavy Liquid” is a woozy, ethereal helping of bassed-out, blissed-out, r&b-tinged electronica. Like The Weeknd, Holy Other, and Burial met up for a nightcrawling smokeout. Absolutely top-notch and highly recommended. This comes on white vinyl and is limited to 300 copies for only $12 shipped via Audraglint.

An Awesome Article About Chicago’s Gramaphone Records

Mitchell Nature — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:41:28 +0000

If you’re into dance music at all, you owe it to yourself to read this great article about Chicago’s Gramaphone Records. It’s definitely an institution, there should be more shops like it. Visit SmartBlogChicago.com.

Giveaway: Win a Test Pressing of Lilacs & Champagne “S/T” LP

Mitchell Nature — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:32:13 +0000

First of all, huge thanks to Mexican Summer, Alex, and Emil for offering this giveaway up to our readers. We are handing over a free test pressing of the amazing Lilacs & Champagne album we talked about last week. To enter, just comment on this post. A winner will be picked at random in about 24 hours (sometime Friday morning). Please only enter once, we will be checking for double-ups. If your comment doesn’t show up right away, be patient, it is probably awaiting moderation. PS, the record is up for order now and officially drops on Tuesday, buy it HERE either way. Cheers!

EDIT: Just got word that we’ll be giving away a second item – a copy of the retail LP signed by Alex and Emil! Two winners.

WINNERS: Looks like the winning numbers were 33 and 136. Congratulations Jon, you’ve won the test pressing. Stefan, you’ve won the signed LP. You’ve both been contacted. Thanks so much to Mexican Summer and the band for this giveaway, and to the readers for entering. Buy the record!

Four New Records from Thrill Jockey

Mitchell Nature — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:25:02 +0000

Thrill Jockey just dropped their first batch of records for 2012…it’s a hot one. First up is Rhyton’s self-titled LP. This improvisational psych trio consists of members of D. Charles Speer & The Helix, Psychic Ills, and Messages. For blown-out trips, it doesn’t get much better than this. The LP is limited to 500 copies and costs $14 at ThrillJockey.com.

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Next up is “And They Turned Not When They Went” by Imbogodom. This duo released a killer record for TJ in 2010, and the followup might be even better. Super far-out night moves, right up our alley. The LP costs $14 at ThrillJockey.com.

[See post to listen to audio]

The third new release is Jason Urick’s “I Love You”. Produced entirely on a laptop, this record really pushes Thrill Jockey’s output to the fringes. Bubbly manipulations, fucked vocals, caustic textures, it’s all here. The LP costs $14 at the same place, ThrillJockey.com.

[See post to listen to audio]

Last, but not least, is “Improvisations”, a new record by Zomes (aka Lungfish’s Asa Osborne). Recorded to cassette, these impromptu, repetitive drone exercises are definitely a bit weird, but like previous Zomes material, they draw the listener in with their intimate nature. Like the rest, the LP costs $14 and is available at ThrillJockey.com.

[See post to listen to audio]

IPaintMyMind Interviews Rick Wojcik of Dusty Groove

Mitchell Nature — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:51:30 +0000

My friend Evan sat down with Rick Wojcik of Chicago’s Dusty Groove record store, and it’s a great interview. One of the best shops in the nation, read up. Visit IPMM.