Vinyl:

Antony & the Johnsons – Aeon 7”

New single from 'The Crying Light'. Includes the earnest and impassioned cover of Beyonce's "Crazy in Love.”

Assjack – Assjack

Death-metal band founded and fronted by Hank III.

Fruit Bats – The Ruminant Band

Using bright melodies, defiantly major-key chord structures, natural imagery mixed with the occasional blazing insight and tender observation, The Ruminant Band marks a further crystallization of singer/songwriter Eric Johnson's own melodic instincts and overall vision.

Guided By Voices – Under the Bushes, Under the Stars 2xLP+MP3

The last GBV album with the original lineup of Pollard-Sprout-Mitchell-Fennell. Beautiful original gatefold packaging. Double HQ-180 vinyl includes download code.

Gus Gus – 24 / 7

Sixth album from the Icelandic electronic/dance collective.

Jimi Hendrix – Live at Woodstock

2XHQ-180gram LPs.

Julian Plenty – Julian Plenty is Skyscraper

Solo album from Paul Banks — lead singer of Interpol. This varied album runs the gamut from folk-tinged acoustic songs to orchestral guitar anthems.

Jay Reatard – Watch Me Fall LP+MP3

Vinyl now, CD due August 18.

Sian Alice Group – Troubled, Shaken, Etc.

You get your minimalist trances, electronic experimentation, techno thump, jazz motifs and Eastern music tropes. A complete listening experience.

This article appears in Jul 29 – Aug 4, 2009.