Pickups from the first quarter of this year. I was originally going to stick to 40 records or less for the year, but circumstances around the world have changed since my original self-imposed proclamation. Now making plans to helping out independent stores both local and across the nation when possible, especially if deals are available. I will most likely start updating monthly, so long as I continue to have sustainable employment and resources. It's the least I can do to help.
Now, on to the actual content...
Ambient pickups:
Laraaji -
Ambient 3: Day of Radiance
Gaussian Curve
- The Distance
Stars of the Lid -
The Tired Sounds of
Visible Cloaks -
Reassemblage [signed]
Visible Cloaks -
Serenitatem [signed]
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Finding a good condition copy of the 2015 Laraaji reissue at Plastique took me by surprise. Sounds great too, despite a nearly 27 minute runtime on side B.
Furthering my MFM collection with the missing Gaussian Curve entry. Just as good as
Clouds, even if I prefer it more.
A classical ambient void has been filled with SotL.
And Their Refinement of the Decline is next on my radar.
Got to see Visible Cloaks early in March (which could potentially be my last concert of the year
) and bought these two at the merch table. Spencer and Ryan, the duo behind the group name, signed my copies of the records along with another I brought from home. Happy to support Portland musicians!
Current year pickups:
Bonny Light Horseman -
Bonny Light Horseman [Rough Trade Exclusive, signed]
Caribou -
Suddenly [Rough Trade exclusive]
Deserta -
Black Aura My Sun [signed]
Grimes -
Miss Anthropocene
Soccer Mommy -
Color Theory
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Enjoying all of these so far. I'm very happy with the Caribou press in particular, despite my RT exclusive having non-fill throughout the first minute of side B. RT support is fantastic, and they sent me a standard black replacement which is perfect.
Analogue Productions pickups:
The Beach Boys -
Pet Sounds (2xLP 45RPM)
Norah Jones -
Come Away With Me
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A
much improved sound quality difference in the AP 2xLP 45RPM reissue of
Pet Sounds from my lackluster 50th anniversary mono reissue. I can't wait for how this sound will grow with eventual upgrades in the chain.
The Norah Jones AP notably bears vocals that come off hot, but with a bit of EQ, it sounds sublime. Really takes me back to youth, and it sounds fantastic.
My first two AP purchases from Plaid Room and it will not be my last. Satisfied is an understatement.
Other pickups:
Nicole Atkins -
Goodnight Rhonda Lee
Masumi Hara ( 原マスミ ) -
4 X A Dream (夢の4倍)
Kendrick Lamar -
To Pimp a Butterfly
Marissa Nadler -
Strangers [signed]
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Secured my first N&G AotM! This is not something I would ever listen to on my own, so much thank you to
@Teeeee! Scheduled to be seeing her in ~2.5 weeks, but that probably won't happen considering the extension of social distancing measures.
Need to thank
@D Jilla for recommending Masumi Hara. Among the most unique experiences and blending of Japanese pop/new age I've heard.
Didn't really want to buy
TPaB from uDiscover during this time, as several other stores are in more need of business, but I couldn't deny nabbing arguably the best album of the '10s on the cheap.
Selected my favorite Nadler record from her Bandcamp page. It arrived with a faint, glossy signature.