New Releases

NEW RELEASE NEWS

Another marvellous year just passed for music in general, and vinyl records in particular. More and more new releases are being pressed on record so the percentage of record compared to overall CD releases is growing and far greater than at any time since the "death" of the L.P. Record so many years ago. Re-issues by the major companies and also specialist re-issue labels proliferate, and the Audiophiles amongst us have never had it so good with long established labels hitting their straps and many smaller companies popping up and offering superlative pressings and remasterings. For more information on them and some of the recent releases, visit our Audiophile page.

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Pink Floyd Remasters

Remastered by James Guthrie with artwork by Storm Thorgerson.

A part of EMI’s Why Pink Floyd...? Campaign which will see the release of remastered CDs, an SACD, Blu-Ray DVDs, and a box set (available on CD at Quality Records…plus). Most importantly here will see the release of albums such as “The Wall” and “Wish you were here” on vinyl – titles that have been out of print for many years. Wether or not you need ANOTHER copy of “Dark side of the Moon” is album is debatable, although one of our customers already has 15 different pressings (you know who you are!)!! If you DON’T have it on record, no need to hesitate!

James Guthrie is a British recording engineer and record producer having served in that capacity to Pink Floyd, since 1978. He has mixed and/or mastered nearly every Pink Floyd and Floyd-related release since 1978, and could be considered to be their archival engineer.

"Wish you were Here"

This special vinyl reissue of Wish You Were Here commemorates the 35 th anniversary of this monumental title. Wish You Were Here topped the album charts in both the U.K. and the U.S. Reflecting the band's thoughts of the time on the music business and exploring themes of absence, Wish You Were Here contains the classic cut "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," a tribute to founding band member Syd Barrett, who showed up at the recording sessions for this record unannounced, not having been seen by the band in years. That was to be the last time any of the band members would see Barrett. Our Price $50

"Dark Side of the Moon"

By all industry standards, "Dark Side Of The Moon" is a phenomenon. Known for its complex instrumental textures, the album firmly established Pink Floyd as one of the most innovative bands in rock history. Since its release in 1973, The Dark Side Of The Moon has sold over 30 million copies and spent an incredible 741 weeks on Billboard's Album Chart. Our Price $48

Black Keys El Camino

Although they have been around for a long time now, the Black Keys finally made the breakthrough to the big time with 2010's "Big Brother". Way back when it was raw blues flavoured rock and now to "El Camino". "Guitarist-singer Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney conjure up an exhilarating, stadium-sized sound in collaboration with producer and friend Danger Mouse. The album boasts a no-nonsense brilliance: The pace is fast, the mood is upbeat, the choruses unfailingly addictive made for shouting along, preferably in a large, sweaty crowd. A band already at the top of its game has gotten even better." On 180 gram vinyl, it comes with a bonus CD of the entire album.

Gorillaz Singles 2001 -2011

The Gorillaz don't exist and they have not been existing for a decade. The imagery, not a stones throw away from Japanese anime, is cool, and if they wish to continue not existing, that is fine - as long as they keep making such great music. This release is avialable in 2 (i.e. two) vinyl formats - a 2 LP set on 180 gram vinyl, or a boxed set of 8 x 45 rpm records. Also cool.

Kate Bush 50 Words for Snow

Through a highly evocative musical and lyrical landscape this haunting album once again pushes the boundaries of Kate Bush's art. The album features a number of special guest musicians including Elton John, Andy Fairweather Low and, on the title track, the British writer/broadcaster/raconteur Stephen Fry. 2 LPs on 180 gram vinyl. $36

Coldplay "Mylo Xyloto"

Coldplay's fifth studio album, Mylo Xyloto (pronounced my-lo zy-letoe), pushes the boundries, and with a different sound to some of the tracks, has led to much discussion. Repeated listenings have confirmed the band is safe and sound underneath the layers, and it grows with time - as all great albums should. Produced by Markus Dravs, Daniel Green and Rik Simpson, with enoxification and additional composition by Brian Eno. Our Price $39

Tom Waits "Bad as Me"

Bad as Me , Tom Waits' first studio album of all new music in seven years, features a stellar cast of musicians, and co-production and songwriting from Kathleen Brennan. While the trademarks of Waits' 21st century music are showcased in tracks such as "Chicago" and "Hell Broke Luce," there are also nods back, in ballads such as "Last Leaf" and the barroom chorale "New Year's Eve." "Raised Right Men" is a modern take on Waits' blues clatter, while "Satisfied" employs his take on gospel. On 180 gram vinyl, the record also comes with the CD to play in the car. $35.00

Paul Simon So Beautiful or So What

Finally, someone reviewed this album which has been around since last April! The verdict? Easily the best album Simon has released for many decades and while it has all the usual distinctive hallmarks, the bar is raised. Another BOF who just gets better with age. The album comes with a bonus track and an MP3 dowload which may or may not work. $32.00

Eric Bibb Blues, Ballads & Work Songs

Eric Bibbs brand of gospel blues has been with us for a long time (he just turned 60 which came as a shock as he looks about 30 something). On "Blues, Ballads & Work Songs" he goes way back to the sort of music that would have been heard in America early last century and performed in the 50's by "folk" singers such as Josh White and his own Pa, Leon. Bibb's voice is as rich as ever and the instrumentation is solo guitar or the addition of a little subtle prompting from his Swedish mates. And herein lies the joy. When he first started recording, it was for this little known Swedish audiophile label Opus 3 who's natural, realistic sound perfectly matches his musical style. Not only for the purist, this lovely record is richly rewarding. 180 gram $45.00

Florence and the Machine Ceremonials

This is a big record by someone at the top of their game. "I feel like it's a record made by someone becoming a woman, becoming a grown-up. And it's about all the problems that go hand-in-hand with that" says Florence. "Lungs was very much the work of someone wrestling with sort of simultaneously being a teenager and being an adult. This is the work of someone who's trying to grow up I guess?" Whatever, Florence is here to stay. On two LPs. $40.00

Also available the first album, "Lungs".

NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS

The Gallagher Brothers have annoyed us for years with their bratish behaviour, but just when you think it is safe to ignore them, they come up with some great music, and Noels first solo album is no exception. A most enjoyable album with the Beatles luking as ever in the background. 2 LPs. $31

Bjork "Biophilia"

Biophilia is the Icelandic singer and composer's most ambitious undertaking in a 20-year career distinguished by continuous innovation and artistic evolution. The album title refers to a love of all living things, and in every aspect of this game-changing multi-media effort, Björk brilliantly connects nature, music, and technology.
In addition to the music itself, this project will offer interactive iPad apps, designed by the industry's most creative minds, that feature games, music, and editorial content — allowing listeners to explore more deeply the concepts and sounds of each of Biophilia 's 13 songs

Tori Amos "Night of Hunters"

Tori Amos marks her debut album for Deutsche Grammophon, the world's most celebrated classical music record label with Night Of Hunters . The iconic, platinum-selling singer-songwriter continues her legacy of groundbreaking recordings with this 21 st century song cycle inspired by select classical pieces spanning the last 400 years. Amos carries on the classical tradition of variations on a theme: taking inspiration from classical forms to create a bold new work while paying tribute to the mastery of the original compositions.

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New Classical Records at Quality...

Ingolf Wunder- Chopin Recital

Deutsche Grammophons (the worlds leading classical record label) FIRST original (as in not reissue) release in OVER 30 years!!!!!

Lang Lang- "Liszt- My Piano Hero"

Heralded as the “hottest artist on the classical music planet” by the New York Times , 27-year-old Lang Lang has played sold-out recitals and concerts in every major city in the world and is the first Chinese pianist to be engaged by the Vienna Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic and all the top American orchestras.

In celebration of his piano hero's bicentenary, Lang Lang has selected some of the most famous, virtuosic and poetic solo pieces, concluding with a stunning new recording of the Piano Concerto No. 1 — accompanied by the Vienna Philharmonic and Valery Gergiev. Lang Lang has had a special relationship with the composer following his very first encounter with his music at age 2 when he watched a Tom and Jerry cartoon featuring Liszt s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2.

Also Available "Lang Lang- Live in Vienna

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Alison Krauss & Union Station "Paper Airplane"

A truly breathtaking collection of 11 exquisite songs, Paper Airplane is Alison Krauss' 14th album and the band's follow-up to 2004's triple Grammy® winning "Lonely Runs Both Ways" (Rounder). It is Krauss' first release since her 2007 internationally acclaimed, multi-platinum collaboration with Robert Plant, Raising Sand , which won six Grammys including Record Of The Year and Album Of The Year.

Alison Krauss and Union Station features the talents of Krauss (fiddle and lead vocals), Dan Tyminski (guitar, mandolin and lead vocals), Barry Bales (bass and harmony vocals), Ron Block (banjo, guitar and harmony vocals), and Jerry Douglas (Dobro and harmony vocals). Paper Airplane was produced by the band and recorded in Nashville with engineer Mike Shipley (Maroon 5, The Cars, Def Leppard, Joni Mitchell). As bluegrass virtuosos the members of Union Station are beyond compare, and the music they create together transcends all genres. Their work on films such as Cold Mountain and O Brother, Where Art Thou? has contributed immeasurably to a renaissance of American roots music.

Part of Alison Krauss' incontestable talent is how effortlessly she bridges the gap between roots music and country, rock and pop. Since signing with Rounder Records at the age of 14 in 1985 Krauss has sold in excess of 12 million albums and garnered 26 Grammy® Awards, the most for any female and the third most of any recording artist in Grammy® history.

Quality says. A wonderful record, beautifuly recorded and played by musicians of the highest calibre. If Krauss exquisite vocals are not enough, Dan Tyminski chimes in with a few "old timey" numbers (he was the voice of George Clooney's lead as a member of the Soggy Bottom Boys in the film of "Oh Brother where art thou'), and if they don't get you toes a tappin', I would check your pulse, because you are probably dead!! A highlight is Krauss' exquisite (that word again!) performance of Richard Thompson's exquisite (and again!) "Dimming of the Day" - exq...really good. The sound on the CD was excellent, but the record is far superior (of course). From Rounder Records on heavy duty vinyl at $32.00 and comes with a MP3 download for torturing your children.

Bon Iver "Bon Iver"

Bon Iver is Justin Vernon returning to former haunts with a new spirit. The reprises are there – solitude, quietude, hope and desperation compressed – but always a rhythm arises, a pulse vivified by gratitude and grace notes. The winter, the legend, has faded to just that, and this is the new momentary present. The icicles have dropped, rising up again as grass. Our Price $30. Also available is the first album, For Emma, Forever Ago

Adele "21"

21 is the eagerly awaited sophomore album from British singer-songwriter Adele. Its the follow up to Adele s critically acclaimed, Grammy award winning debut album 19 (both named after her age at the time the songs were written). Recorded in Malibu and London, 21 offered Adele the opportunity to work with such luminary producers and songwriters as Rick Rubin, Paul Epworth, Ryan Tedder, Dan Wilson and Fraser T. Smith, as well as continuing to work with Francis Eg White and Jim Abbiss. Our Price $34. Also available, the first Adele album, "19".

Madeleine Peyroux "Standing on the Rooftops"

"Standing On the Rooftop" opens with a hypnotic pulse that runs through the song like a jagged heartbeat. Madeleine Peyroux is in the midst of her journey. Now with Standing On the Rooftop (Emarcy/Decca), she delves deeper into her reinvention, not only writing the bulk of the songs, but pushing past any preconceived notions about her music. Peyroux, who was named Best International Jazz Artist at the 2007 BBC Jazz Awards, has lost none of her compelling ability to reinvent a lyric and give it soul-shaking meaning through her intricately nuanced vocal shadings. But she's broadened her musical palette here, embracing an organic, American roots sound. Listeners need look no further than the title track to hear the metamorphosis. Our Price $38

Lady Gaga "Born this Way"

Born This Way is the highly anticipated full-length follow-up to Lady GaGa's breakthrough debut, The Fame. The album's preceding eponymous lead single, "Born This Way" became her third No. 1 in the U.S. and broke several digital sales and radio records in the process. The song also debuted within the Top 5 in more than 23 countries, making it to No. 1 in 15 of them. Our Price $30

Iron and Wine "Kiss each other clean"

It's been more than three years since Iron & Wine's last studio effort, The Shepherd's Dog, which was widely praised by fans and critics alike. While Beam's early albums were sparse, intimate solo affairs, Shepherd's introduced layered textures and poly-rhythmic sounds that allowed his lyrics to spring to life. It's only natural then, that Beam took this sonic collage and built upon it for his new album, Kiss Each Other Clean. The result is a brighter, more focused record that retains the idiosyncratic elements that make Iron & Wine such an engaging band. Our Price $33

Fleet Foxes "Helplessness Blue"

Drawing inspiration from folk/rock from about 1965 to 1973, and Van Morrison s Astral Weeks in particular, Helplessness Blues sees Fleet Foxes heighten and extend themselves, adding instrumentation (clarinet, the music box, pedal steel guitar, lap steel guitar, Tibetan singing bowls, vibraphone, etc., along with more traditional band instrumentation), with a focus on clear, direct lyrics, and an emphasis on group vocal harmonies. We have it on good authority that the album is called Helplessness Blues for at least a couple of reasons. One, it's kind of a funny title. Secondly, one of the prevailing themes of the album is the struggle between who you are and who you want to be or who you want to end up, and how sometimes you are the only thing getting in the way of that. Our Price $27

Fleetwood Mac "Rumours"

Nineteen times platinum in the U.S. alone, Rumours is one of the best-selling albums of all time. This Diamond Award winning, Grammy "Album Of The Year" masterpiece includes the hits "Dreams," "Go Your Own Way" and "You Make Loving Fun." All original artwork and packaging. This record was exceptionally well recorded to begin with, and now with a remastering job from the original analog masters by the team of Kevin Gray and Steve Hoffman at AcousTech Mastering. Available in 33 and 45 RPM versions.

Lucinda Williams "Blessed"

Blessed , the stunning new album from three-time Grammy Award winner Lucinda Williams is set for release on March 1, 2011 by Lost Highway. Considered by many to be one of America's greatest living songwriters, Williams lives up to that and more by delivering 12 new songs that cover an ever wider emotional spectrum than her previous work, without moving too far in any one direction. Blessed features special guests Rami Jaffe on keyboards, Matthew Sweet on vocals, Greg Leisz and Elvis Costello on guitar.

Kanye West "My Beatiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

The fifth studio album by American hip hop artist Kanye West. Production comes from Kanye West himself, Q-Tip, DJ Premier, RZA, Pete Rock, Madlib, DJ Toomp, Swizz Beatz, Lex Luger, and Justin Vernon. Featuring collaborations from Beyonce Knowles, Mos Def, Alicia Keys, and many more.

PJ Harvey "Let England Shake"

PJ Harvey's eighth studio album Let England Shake out through Island Records. Recorded in a 19th Century church in Dorset with long time collaborator Flood who co-produced the album with PJ Harvey, John Parish and Mick Harvey. Let England Shake was also mixed by Flood.

Loreena McKennitt

Loreena Mckennitt "The Wind that shakes the Barley" : The first ever vinyl release from Mckennitt. In a stirring and inspirational return to her roots, she has created a new album of nine traditional Celtic songs. $32.00

Leonard Cohen - Songs From The Road

Another visitor (again) to our shores, Cohen charmed a huge new audience with his wit, courtesy humour, and above all his sublime songs, performed with a band of musical masters. One dozen of Leonard Cohen's most famous songs from his recent world tour performances - at auditorium halls, festivals, arenas and stadiums from Tel Aviv to London, from across Europe to the California desert and his native Canada - are now collected on Songs From The Road. Songs From The Road represents every decade of his life as a recording artist, from the 1960s to the 2000s. 2 LPS on 180 gram vinyl

bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbPeter Gabriel - "Scratch My Back"

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Quality says : Oh no we thought, not another old f...t running out of ideas but no!! Peter Gabriel's "Scratch My Back" album project is the first part of a series of song exchanges in which Gabriel and other leading artists reinterpret each other's songs. Numbers by such diverse writers as Regina Spektor, Radiohead, Paul Simon and David Bowie are featured. No guitars or drums just superb and sumptuous (at times) orchestral or chamber forces are used. Mostly it is guess the song as, if it were not for the lyrics, they are not only re-interpreted, but re-invented (re-written?). This will not be everyone's cup of Gabriel. It is dark at times - Simon's "Boy in the Bubble" goes from something rather jolly to a completely different place, but you do (at last) realise how interesting the lyrics are, or at least Gabriel makes them seem so. Full marks to John Metcalfe, who's arrangements and orchestrations are subtle and delicate and add to the sense of intimacy. Standouts are Lou Reed's "Power of the Heart", Arcade Fire's "My body is a Cage" and ... well all the other tracks, Give it a go, for without question this is a meisterwerk. On the Realworld Label ... our price $34

For New Releases from Mobile Fidelity, ORG, Speakers Corner, Analalogue Productions and others see our Audiophile Page

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