Jeff Buckley - Grace Ltd. Ed.

Vinyl Monday!! For the final Vinyl Monday of 2014 (And the final version of these all together) We're going the Alt Rock way with a a genius artist in Jeff Buckley. He's incredibly multi talented with vocals and his range and his ability to play instruments both conventional and exotic. This album, while experimental in conception, showcases exactly why musicians that are underrated can surprise you with abilities that go well beyond anything you could ever credit them with. On the title track Grace, listen to his haunting vocals and incredible range. Hop over to Hallelujah for his take on Leonard Cohen's original and hear how Buckley's past as a gospel singer got inducted into the National Recording Registry. I'm not opening this record because of it's uniqueness, (#165 of 2000/reissued) I must thank Paul for this. It's a must own on vinyl, especially if you can find an original press, otherwise just get it. Probably one of the most important releases of it's time. You're welcome, and, Happy New Year!

Jethro Tull - Aqualung

Vinyl Monday!! Rock Flute + Psychedelics + The difference between religion and God = 1971's finest album Jethro Tull's, Aqualung. 

I wasn't a huge fan of what Progressive Rock became in the 80's, conversely I wasn't into it's earlier distinction of "Experimental" rock in the 60's & 70's either... (READ: Early Genesis) This album speaks volumes of the complexities of classic rock albums of that era. Each song with it's own message, every note emphasized, every lyric deliberate. All of that tied together with progressive and experimental instrumentation. (Shit, they even over dub'd on the Locomotive Breath track!) My God. This album had everything. Skip the title track. It's the sucker bet. Instead listen to Wond'ring Aloud and Hymn 43 to get a different level of appreciation of this epic album. Get an original pressing on Vinyl to have every little bit of meaning out of the recording. The full stereo releases and 40th Anniversary releases do nothing for such genius. You're welcome.

And Now, Vinyl Monday!! Best way to describe this group... If She and Him were good, and you mixed them with Florence and The Machine, you would have these English indie band. Their 2nd album from 2012, Coexist while nowhere near as brooding and rhythmic as their first, (An album I'll feature next year when I start theme-ing.) is really personal, very intimate and extremely addictive. You don't need to see these two live to just imagine how well these two perform together. Listen to Angels, Reunion and Tides to get a feel for what you're in for. This particular vinyl release comes with the CD for you non believers. You're welcome.

The XX - Coexist

And Now, Vinyl Monday!! Best way to describe this group... If She and Him were good, and you mixed them with Florence and The Machine, you would have these English indie band. Their 2nd album from 2012, Coexist while nowhere near as brooding and rhythmic as their first, (An album I'll feature next year when I start theme-ing.) is really personal, very intimate and extremely addictive. You don't need to see these two live to just imagine how well these two perform together. Listen to Angels, Reunion and Tides to get a feel for what you're in for. This particular vinyl release comes with the CD for you non believers. You're welcome.

Peter Murphy - Mr. Moonlight 35 Years of Bauhaus Live Ep

Vinyl Monday!!! This one is special to me for a bunch of reasons. It marks a very important period of my life and was basically my soundtrack growing up. This past Black Friday known now by some circles as Record Store Day 2, Peter Murphy (Yes, of Bauhaus) dropped a 10" album of live highlights from his Mr. Moonlight: 35 Years of Bauhaus tour... You know what I've got no words. If you've ever appreciated true alternative music, ever had a goth phase, ever wondered where the Cure got their inspiration, this is a must own. If you can still find this release, get it. Get it on vinyl even if you don't own a turntable. Get it because you enjoy great fucking music! You're welcome. (Special thank you to my coworkers who are beginning to know me too well.)

TV On The Radio - Seeds

Vinyl Monday! Sure, Alt Rock group TV On The Radio could have called it a career after their bassist Gerard Smith died in 2011, but thankfully for music the Brooklyn band held it together and put out the best work they've done in years. Released last Tuesday, their album Seeds like all their albums prior is musically eclectic. What'll turn you on to it, aside from the indie quality is their 80's era New Wave (ish) sound. Happy Idiot, Careful You, and Lazerray are the songs to listen to... On the IMPRESSIVE standard vinyl release (180grm Marble double LP). For the mp3 people, it comes with a code, but buy this on vinyl while you can where you can. Now.