Count Bass D – Art for Sale (Deluxe)

Please read these words from Dwight Farrell, aka Count Bass D himself, regarding the album:

My compositions from 1996-1997 were of a newlywed in his early twenties on the verge of fatherhood. I did not understand how far reaching my art would be. It was a heavy time for me and I attempted to leave a work behind that would clear up some of who I thought I was as opposed to what Pre-Life Crisis presented me as. Of all Count Bass D projects, Art For Sale emotionally moves listeners most. I am humbled by the sincerity of comments made about this project and glad I’m still alive to hear what people thought of it. There may ever be beautiful harmony in my life, but I hope GOD grants mercy to my soul here and where my spirit will be when I die. 

Count Bass D may not live in the area anymore but Art For Sale is a little historical gem from the late 90’s Murfreesboro music scene that feels as fresh today as it did when it was released. It also feels as different today as it did when originally released… it’s not purely rap or hip-hop or R&B or jazz or pop but it’s a mixture of all these things that reveals itself in a way that few other albums, ever, present themselves as.

This deluxe re-release is a nice reminder that ageless albums can still be made and Art for Sale is absolutely one of them.

James Wallace and The Naked Light – “Worse Things Have Happened”

Let this video be a lesson to everyone – your album has legs. Who cares if you put out your last full-length a few years ago, there are incredibly excellent songs on there that should be shared as far and wide as possible. More Strange News From Another Star has been kicking around for awhile but I could see videos for every song and still not tire of it. 

Side note: the video is great.

Magnolia Sons – Stop Your Running

In honor of being an openly critical place, I will admit that I was pretty disappointed in the latest Magnolia Sons artwork. They’ve done such a great job so far with aping the R&B style that this divergence seems like a mild disappointment. 

That being said, the song is absolutely tops, so maybe they were just focusing their efforts on the main thing you need to enjoy.. the music.

Uncle Skeleton – Too Young, Too Old

Technically, Uncle Skeleton no longer resides in Nashville but you know what? Neither do I! We have roots there and it will always be the place we call home. So, that being said, I don’t feel too wrong about posting about the new album, Too Young, Too Old. 

That aside, it’s the most “realized” album yet – the pop songs are sunnier, the bossa nova songs are more melancholy and the ambient songs are zone out than before. It is, in a word, great.

The album is available on an awesome clear gold vinyl, digital download or streaming on Rdio and Spotify. 

Aireline – Ocean Songs from the Year of the Horse (Deluxe)

it’s been roughly ten years since this album was originally released and now it’s been given the Deluxe Re-Release treatment from new label Refiner’s Fire. This version of the album includes all eight original tracks, two unreleased original demos and a handful of live tracks from the early years of the band. Turns out, the songs stand the test of time and feel as compelling now as they did then – assuming you’re a fan of Sunny Day Real Estate and classical influences mashed together.

Hammock – Oblivion Hymns

available for pre-order now. Should be available late November… I’m also assuming there will be a pleasurable music video between now and then as well.

All Them Witches – Lightning at the Door

I realize I mentioned them just last week because their previous album, Our Mother Electricity, is so Halloween appropriate but I’m going to alert you to the fact that All Them Witches has a brand new offering available now and it’s incredibly good. Continuing in the same dark vein as the previous offerings, Lightning at the Door manages to dish out a healthy dose of psychedelic, stoner rock – best compared to the offerings of Kyuss, QOTSA and other Desert Sessions style bands. 

I’ve yet to see them live but I hope it’s loud as hell – as that’s really the best way to take this on.

Blank Range – “Scrapin” / “Before We Go To Sleep” 7"

This week is a big one for Blank Range – they’re Lighting 100’s “Band of the Week”, they’re featured in NATIVE’s “You Outta Know” section and, best of all, they’ve unveiled their first 7". The two song wax is available for pre-order and streaming over on their Bandcamp right now but the actual release won’t be until the 21st, when they play The Basement with Fly Golden Eagle.

If they can play it live half as perfectly rousing as these recordings, they’ve got a good something going.