Aphex Twin – Selected Ambient Works Volume II 3xLP – (1972)
This high water mark of ’90s electronica gets a triple vinyl edition worthy of the genre-bursting expanse of sonic trancendence it birthed in 1994.
Catatonic Youth – Piss Scene 7″ (Perrenial)
This primo slab of wax initially released in 2008 by the almighty Hozac label quickly disappeared but lived on in the form of illegitimate MP3s, spreading its essential frayed lo-fi noise pop to the deranged masses. Now you can own it on vinyl with a righteous bonus cut “Control My Gun.”
Darkthrone – Hate Them 2xCD (Peaceville)
Darkthrone has existed on a fascinating plane that placed them at the genesis of the infamous Norwegian black metal scene through more than two decades and 16 albums that’ve covered territory that includes thrash, death metal, and of course black metal. This 2003 album gets the reissue treatment complete with a making-of commentary disc that reveals the lighter side to an otherwise heavy album.
Genius/GZA – Liquid Swords 2xCD – (Get On Down)
Hands-down one of the best hip-hop records ever. This debut solo record from Wu-Tang Clan member GZA heavily samples from the twisted ’80s electrosynth film soundtrack from Shogun Assassin, which is enough to at least warrant a sample spin. After that, its brilliantly paced, masterfully composed beats beneath GZA’s forceful flow will keep you coming back to this must-have hip-hop classic.
Icarus – The Marvel World of Icarus LP – (Acme)
Sure it’s a novelty and sure, it’s beyond cheesy, but it’s hard to resist this 1971 prog rock odyssey. Earnestly belted out tunes, each dedicated to a particular Marvel Comics super hero over a fuzz-drenched ’70s hard rock haze — it’s simply too marvelous to resist.
Moss Icon – Discography 3xLP (Temporary Residence)
Moss Icon’s racket from the late ’80s to early ’90s wasn’t completely ignored, but the full weight of its impact has only been proven over the course of time, and that weight can literally be felt in this comprehensive 3 LP collection from Temporary Residence. Tangled webs both abstract and direct, raging and subdued, a lot of ground is covered here as an in-depth immersion into one of the most interesting bands of the time.
The Prefab Messiahs – Peace, Love and Alienation LP (Fixed Identity)
Unearthed and overlooked Massachusetts postpunk recordings circa 1982-1983 get pressed to wax 30 years later, sounding as inventive and relevant as ever. Read more here.
Rat at Rat R – Ameri$ide CD – (Ektro)
Not sure why it’s taken almost 30 years for this crucial NYC no wave to get the reissue treatment, or why it’s on the Finnish Ektro label (home of the amazing Circle), but finally, these long out of print tracks are getting some respect. Fitting somewhere between the sonic space of Sonic Youth skronk and Swans’ severity, Rat At Rat R’s music was more deliberate and composed than it’s contemporaries, but no less threatening. If you have any interest in this era you need this document of one of it’s essential groups.
Ty Segall – Singles 2007-2010 2xlp (Goner)
As prolific as Ty Segall has been in the last 5 years, and as many 45s of his I’d tracked down in those 5 years, I’d figured I’d heard most of his fuzzy garage gems, but this blazing comp proves that I’d only scratched the surface. Many thanks to the Goner label for gathering this essential material into one amazing LP.
VOM – Live at Surf City 7″ (Rerun Records)
The 1978 KBD punk classic from pre-Angry Samoans trashmeisters VOM (short for Vomit) gets a legit reissue remastered from the original tapes. Reminisce with such classics as “I’m in Love with Your Mom” and “Electrocute Your Cock.”