As the nights begin to lengthen and the music industry prepares for the greatest hits phase, we can anticipate a season filled with major releases this autumn. For now, let’s swiftly recap the releases from this past summer.
Freshly Pressed:
In mid-July, a stunning debut surfaced that has remained on my turntable since. You must listen to 'Clever Rabbits' by Ann Liu Cannon, irrespective of your format preference. It can be described as wonky folk, chamber-pop, or classic singer-songwriter, appealing to fans of Laura Marling, Regina Spektor, Kate Bush, and Rufus Wainwright. This album showcases a blend of confidence and musical whimsy across its eleven tracks, where melodies quickly capture attention, revealing a gradually unfolding ambition. Particularly enchanting is 'Good Submarine,' with its tonal and temporal variations; however, there's no weak point here. Cannon's vocals range from delicate to fierce, keeping you guessing about what may come next. The mastering by Matt Colton is superb, allowing for clarity in the intricate arrangements and prominently featuring Cannon's vibrant presence. It’s pressed quietly by Optimal and comes in an eye-catching gatefold. Make sure to find this one.
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Madonna has put out a forty-two-minute EP titled 'Veronica Electronica,' featuring a collection related to 'Ray Of Light.' Buyers get seven "rare and newly edited" remixes along with the previously unreleased demo track 'Gone Gone Gone.' The marbled silver disc, pressed at GZ, successfully captures the depth of electronic music in a three-dimensional manner. Unlike many vinyl recordings, the beats here do not fall flat. The upbeat BT & Sasha Bucklodge Ashram New Edit of 'Drowned World / Substitute For Love' starts the collection off well, and revisiting 'Nothing Really Matters' is always appreciated. While there are stronger Club 69 interpretations than their Speed Mix Meets The Dub, it still sounds fantastic. The 'new' song will be recognized by hardcore fans, but a high-quality version is always welcome. Joe Nino-Hernes at Sterling Sound provided the effective mastering, and the mirrored sleeve adds a nice touch. At £30, it may seem pricey for an EP, but copies have sold so well that a clearer edition is set to follow in October.
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'Songs For Nina and Johanna' is quite a literal album title from James Yorkston & Friends, continuing his collaborative spirit with Nina Persson of The Cardigans and Johanna Söderbeg from First Aid Kit. The record is instantly captivating, with Yorkston’s voice blending effortlessly with his two companions. Söderbeg contributes a sweeping quality, while Persson takes on a heartbreakingly plaintive role. 'I Can Change' will win you over in under three minutes, while 'Love / Luck' showcases the album’s other side, perfectly highlighting the soundstage’s impressive range as it fills the speakers. This one is a near-silent black biovinyl pressing from Optimal, and if you act quickly, Dinked editions with a bonus CD are still available at select indie shops.
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What are your thoughts on a new shoegaze-inspired teenage indie duo from Liverpool? The artwork, featuring all lower-case and sans-serif typography in soft tones, sets the stage for Everything Else's debut album, 'Another One Making Clouds.' 'Two Monkeys' effectively introduces you to the band’s style, with murky yet soaring vocals above a steady chug of guitars. The involvement of Slowdive’s Neil Halsted is notable, signaling a clear intent. The vinyl, cut by Sean Magee at Abbey Road, suggests that these passionate enthusiasts know their craft. The genre’s nature often leads to congestion in the middle, yet there’s nimble nuance at the soundstage's edges, and crucially, the bass is precise and vibrant. The disc from Press On is relatively quiet, and the lyric sheet adds a DIY aesthetic, enhancing the physical product's overall appeal.
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Regular readers will note Just Played’s preference for Precious Recordings Of London, primarily known for its EP releases from niche indie sessions found in the BBC's archives. Recently, it has branched out a bit. Their first new offering features a full LP of Peel sessions from post-punk band Big Flame, showcasing four performances from 1984-1986. Mastered by Ian Button, it serves as a chaotic and mesmerizing record of a band in evolution on a relatively quiet GZ disc. The second offering is a live album from Sarah Records alumni Blueboy, whose recent revival was facilitated by Precious. 'Live At The Water Rats' captures their 2024 reunion gig with Gemma Malley on vocals following Keith Girdler's passing. The performance is well-recorded, delivering a reverberant live sound with tons of detail. While it’s not the quietest GZ pressing, it is indeed pressed on blue vinyl. Be sure to also check out the label
As the nights gradually become longer and the industry prepares for the greatest hits season, the fall of the major releases approaches. In the interim, let’s take a
