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Spotlight 49
Welcome to the Spot Light. Check out the latest psychedelic, cosmic, prog, freakbeat, folk, kraut, experimental, jazz, drone, mystical, and avant-garde sounds!
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PSYCHEDELIC/PROGRESSIVE/FOLK
Link, Circe -& Christian Nesmith-
Arcana
'Arcana,' the long-awaited sequel to Circe Link and Christian Nesmith's acclaimed 'Cosmologica,' is a mystical journey that "might just be the best Yes album of the 21st century," according to Shindig! magazine. This sixteenth release from the duo delivers five epic tracks, each embodying the spirit of a Major Arcana card. Nesmith's instrumental sorcery and Link's ethereal voice conjure worlds where 'The Tower' crumbles into new realities, and 'The Chariot' charges through adventurous time signatures. With guest wizards Christopher Allis on drums and Matt Brown weaving magic on keys in 'The Chariot,' 'Arcana' isn't just an album... it's a musical spell, meticulously crafted over years and now housed in a 6-panel digifile CD. Ready to enchant both prog devotees and the uninitiated, 'Arcana' invites you to dive in and let it divine your musical future.
Kombynat Robotron
West Mata
'West Mata' is the 6th studio record by Kiel/Germany based psych/krautrock band Kombynat Robotron. The release of this album is the result of a cooperation between Clostridium Records (Germany), Cardinal Fuzz Records (UK) and Little Cloud Records (USA). The Clostridium edition is limited to 250 copies on green/white/turquoise splatter vinyl. Special die cut cover!
Space Shepherds
Cycler
Another bunch of psychedelic jams from Space Shepherds, released on Sunhair Music (Germany). This release features spaced out desert soundscapes from the usual suspects along with new additions to the lineup in the form of Steven Lennox (Junk Drawer/Unbelievable Lake) and Dale Hughes (Electric Octopus/Big Tickle).
GARAGE/BEAT/SURF/ROCK’N’ROLL
Things
Outside My Window
The Things from Los Angeles were among the most important bands in the Paisley Underground scene. Here's their second and most acclaimed album, originally released on Voxx Records in 1986. Remastered, with 4 previously unpublished bonus tracks, 'Outside My Window' is now reissued on vinyl by Teen Sound Records including an exclusive pics'n'facts insert, interview with former members and liner notes. Comes with the band sticker. Limited edition of 300 copies only, but only a handful available here, so first come, first served.
Various
Fuzz Fest '84
You've heard about it but you've never heard it actually! A legendary night way back in 1984. The Fuzztones, The Outta Place, The Vipers, Tryfles, Mosquitos and Cheepskates LIVE! Presented by Midnight Records, the hippest garage label in NYC at the time. Recorded mixed and produced by Elan Portnoy of The Fuzztones, Headless Horsemen and countless other NYC greats. Tracks have been mastered for a real high standard audiophile experience. Loads of previously unseen pictures, quotes, liner notes and mo'! Limited edition of 300 copies only, so act fast!
Kissa
Pop // Rock (black)
Finnish glam rock, pop and fierce rock'n'roll band Kissa is making a sweet comeback after a nearly two-year hiatus. The band's 2025 mini-album 'Pop // Rock' is released in honor of the band's fifth anniversary. As its name suggests, the A-side of the album features a brighter and lighter Kissa, while the B-side features hard and merciless garage rock. 'Pop // Rock' is a collection of short stories about riding on the back of the night, growing pains, change, evil, breaking free from the shackles of practicality and freedom.
POP/ROCK/WAVE/NOISE
Shivvers
Reckless/my Love Calling
"DON'T YOU DARE! I was emailing with the head honcho of a pretty decent 7" label, talking about our new releases, and he wrote he didn't know about this band, he did not know that THE SHIVVERS are a thing... what the effing... Dude!!!! Do your homework! 'Teenline' is one of the best power pop songs ever, THE SHIVVERS LP with all their hits is a must have for every powerpop enthusiast... the only thing thats kinda sad about this band is: they only existed from 1980-1982... so what's on the LP (and okay, on the 'Hyped To Death' CD) is all we ever will get from them... UNTIL NOW!!! We could not believe our eyes when Jill Kossoris told us she has two new songs... and here they are! To be honest, they are quite different to the uptempo tunes from the early '80s that made them a household name BUT they open up a different dimension of this group. There is so much '80s vibe in these two songs, it's just unbelievable, it's like a soundtrack to a John Hughes movie that was never made... two tracks, both of them in fact A-sides, so we asked Mary Blount to make a fitting artwork that teams up with the style of the band and the songs... and the outcome is just perfect!!!" (Bachelor)
Frater, Nick
Oh Contraire!
On his twelfth studio album 'Oh Contraire!,' sophisticated pop maestro Nick Frater delivers a masterpiece featuring Brian Wilson band member Probyn Gregory, The Pengwins' Lannie Flowers, and Danny Wilkerson. Recorded between London's Royal College of Music and the mystical ley lines of Glastonbury, these eleven tracks showcase Frater's masterful songwriting through a prismatic array of vintage keyboards, lush strings, and pristine production. Essential listening for fans of Jellyfish, Queen, and Cheap Trick, the album ranges from motorik pop to wall-of-sound grandeur, cementing Frater's reputation as one of sophisticated pop's finest craftsmen.
Perdomo, Fernando
Babies Of War Babies
'TRIBUTE TO HALL & OATES' WAR BABIES' - Fernando Perdomo's 'Babies Of War Babies' tribute breathes new life into Hall & Oates' experimental 1974 classic 'War Babies.' This loving homage features ex-Hall & Oates band members and fellow superfans faithfully recreating the album's daring spirit. Perdomo, dubbed "the millennium's answer to Todd Rundgren" by LA Weekly, channels the innovative production of the original. The CD comes in a digipak with a 12-page booklet, including exclusive interviews with original band members John Siegler and Willie Wilcox. It's a time capsule for die-hard fans and a revelation for newcomers, proving that great music never goes out of style.
Howard, John
For Those That Wander By
On his 2025 album 'For Those That Wander By,' celebrated British songwriter John Howard delivers eight exquisitely crafted songs that blend sophisticated pop melodies with poetic storytelling and theatrical flair. Collaborating with poet Robert Cochrane, Howard creates a lush musical landscape where stark Peter Hammill-esque intensity meets Van Dyke Parks' orchestral ambition, while maintaining the intimacy of a classic piano singer-songwriter. From the mesmerizing lead single 'Losing Myself In Others' to the album's dramatic finale, this beautifully packaged CD edition, complete with illustrated lyric booklet, captures Howard at his most expressive, offering both longtime fans and newcomers alike a passport to his enchanting musical world.
White, Ward
Ward White Is The Matador
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, 'Ward White Is The Matador' charges back into the spotlight with its first-ever CD release, complete with a 20-page booklet packed with lyrics and liner notes. This 14-track genre-bending experience defies convention, from noir-inspired crooning that nods to Scott Walker to glam-rock swagger reminiscent of Bowie. Featuring the epic, 21-minute 'The Olde Days' -_dubbed a "bright-hued sprawl" by New York Magazine - this album is both haunting and bold, with Elmore Magazine praising White's "mellifluous high tenor." Timeless and unpredictable, 'Ward White Is The Matador' is a rock opera worth revisiting, now even richer in print and sound.
Kacimi
Kacimi Says
Ultra limited 45, 100 numbered copies only! For its final release of 2024, Le Pop Club is offering a 45 from Kacimi accompanied by Audrey K. on vocals (Monkberry Moon Orchestra). 'Kacimi Says' is a two-track single featuring covers of the Velvet Underground hits 'Candy Says' and 'Stephanie Says.' Recorded quietly at home in a loving, cottony, folk, almost country reworking of these Lou Reed gems.
Lilac Time
Astronauts
2024 Abbey Road remaster of the Lilac Time's 1991 album. With the shoegaze and baggy movements at their zenith, The Lilac Time's fourth album was released at a moment when the left-field music zeitgeist was shaped by the nascent shoegaze, baggy and grunge movements. Whilst Astronauts conformed to none of those trends, neither was it the record Stephen had in his head when he finally finished working on it.
PUNK/HARDCORE
Jailcell Recipes
Artifacts For An Empty Tank World (black)
Here available on BLACK VINYL, 'Artifacts For An Empty Tank World' is a collection of recordings from the somewhat overlooked UK hardcore punk band, dating back to the years 1988-1992. Side 1 features the band's early, faster material and Side 2 showcases the developments towards a somewhat milder approach. Three of these later-era tracks are previously unreleased.
Various
Punk From Medellin, Colombia 1987-1992
There are moments in which art perfectly reflects the surroundings in which it was born. This is the case of the entire hc/punk/metal scene in late '80s/early '90s Medellín. It was, at the time, the most violent city in the world because of drug cartels, corruption, oppression and poverty. This violence was the reality of daily life and is reflected in the music that flourished in Medellín during the time period. It is some of the most authentically violent, aggressive, noisy, raw and abrasive hc/punk/metal to ever exist. This tape is a sonic snapshot of those times.
Die Boslinge
Demo 1980
Die Böslinge were one of the first punkbands in Austria, founded by Erwin, Harry and Peter in 1979 and played at all punk places in Vienna back then, like Amerlinghaus, Gaga, Steinhof (Mental Ward), Arena, etc. Their only output was a self released 7" single, one of the rarest punk records from Austria, limited to only 200 copies, a solid 1.5K record - if it ever pops up anywhere... Die Böslinge disbanded right after this initial release in 1981, but before working on the songs that appeared on the single they recorded songs on a so called "demo." Bachelor Records got their hands on this cassette and sent it to Eric Brady to master the tracks - so here they are, the punk 'Demo 1980,' rough but straight to your face, direct, simple and aggressive songs (mostly) sung in Viennese dialect.
INDUSTRIAL/EXPERIMENTAL/NOISE/NEOFOLK/GOTHIC
Orfeon Gagarin
Orfeon Gagarin & The Supermoon Orchestra
Eight gems of extraterrestrial electronic pseudo-pop. The perfect music for an intergalactic party, where Miguel A. Ruiz shows his fascination of the sonic possibilities of old synthesizers and other analog electronic instruments. Another highlight is the wonderful cover, a painting by the renowned Madrid artist Adamo Dimitriadis. Limited to 250 copies!
Wallraf, David
Crudelta Necessaria
Noise artist David Wallraf returns with his second album on Karlrecords. 'Crudeltá Necessaria' deals with the role of cruelty in the works of Pier Paolo Pasolini.
Bertoni, Martina
Electroacoustic Works For Halldorophone
For her 2025 and most radical album 'Electroacoustic Works for Halldorophone,' Martina Bertoni used the electronic instrument at EMS Stockholm to create four pieces that are massive in scale and incredibly intimate, sonically restrained and emotionally overwhelming - almost ambient and always demanding your full attention.
Underwood, Steve
Even When It Makes No Sense
'THE BROKEN FLAG STORY'- English cassette and record label Broken Flag was founded in 1982, and whilst not having released anything for a long time, it has never officially ceased to exist. Their primary interest was radical music, noise and power electronics. They first released music by label boss Gary Mundy's project, Ramleh, but later also by Le Syndicat, MB, Controlled Bleeding, Giancarlo Toniutti and various Mundy solo projects. Steve Underwood's text appeared in a 2010 magazine, 'As Loud As Possible,' but it is expanded here with additional interviews, updates, a reprint of two issues of Broken Flag's fanzine, 'Even When It Makes No Sense,' and reproductions of many of the label's cassette covers. Softcover, 144 pages.
Various
The Second Annual
Following the critically acclaimed first 'Annual,' Korm Plastics is very proud to present 'The Second Annual,' which has more pages and more authors and covers a wide selection of musical topics. Everything you never knew you were interested in! Here's a rundown of authors and topics: Fred de Vries writes from South Africa and tells his story about The Kalahari Surfers and Shifty Records. David Elliott recounts the history of the mysterious 4AD group Dif Juz. Michel Faber dives into the world of Extreme Death Metal. Truus de Groot continues her memoir from the last Annual, this time about arriving in New York in 1981 and starting Plus Instruments. Erik Quint was once a member of Radio Tonka in The Hague and tells his story about illegal radio. Elodie A. Roy traces the history of Shimmy Disc and Mark Kramer. GW Sok doesn't go deep in history but was on the road in 2024 in the USA. Richard Foster picks up the story of Dutch Ultra from the last annual. Marthy Coumans saw reunion concerts by July and Buzzcocks; how do they hold up? Freek Kinkelaar has three more Wondersound contributions but also has a look at star photographer Paul Huff and his work for the Philips label. Frans de Waard interviewed Section 25 guitarist Paul Wiggan about his time with the band and having their 7" produced by Ian Curtis and Rob Gretton. Huili Raffo was a very early adapter of Hotline; file sharing before downloading exploded. Nick Soulsby wonders when we started to think of Noise as a genre. Michael Kopijn once again talks about punk in Groningen and interviews musician and 'zine maker Ricky van Duuren. Robin Rimbaud views the movies of Peter Tscherkssky. Audrey Golden interviewed Una Baines of Poppycock, Blue Orchids and The Fall. Lukas Simonis writes about his band Dull Schicksal. Richard Johnson wonders why on earth he ever started to music that people do not consider music in the first place. Harold Schellinx pays tribute to Ronald Heiloo, his erstwhile band member in The Young Lions, as a co-label boss of Amphibious Records and exploring wondrous musical interactions with, among others, Dagmar Krause. Last but certainly not least, Frits Jonker delights us with four short stories about music and whatever curiosities he collects. Miss Printed once again send beautiful collages, one of which graces the front cover. Alfred Boland, star designer at Korm Plastics (one of the two stars), makes it all look shiny.
METAL/STONER/HARDROCK
Clouds Taste Satanic
Birmingham 2024
'Birmingham 2024' is the first in a series of "Live in Studio" Clouds Taste Satanic albums. Recorded at Hellfire Studios in Birmingham UK in May of 2024, this is a no overdub document of the band's set list while on tour in Europe that year. Presented on translucent purple vinyl with Birmingham inspired artwork by Simon Berndt.
JAZZ/AVANTGARDE
Ricotti & Albuquerque
First Wind (2025 Remaster)
A cherished cult favorite from 1971, 'First Wind' stands as a remarkable fusion of jazz, rock, and folk, now available in an artist-sanctioned reissue newly remastered by Prof. Stoned. This masterful collaboration pairs UK's premier vibraphonist Frank Ricotti with vocalist-songwriter Michael de Albuquerque (just before he joined ELO as their bassist), backed by an all-star lineup of British jazz luminaries including John Taylor on keyboards and Trevor Tomkins on drums. From the taut and laconic 'Give A Damn' to their Cat Stevens-esque take on James Taylor's 'Lo And Behold,' the album seamlessly blends experimental jazz-rock with thoughtful interpretations of classic songs. Originally praised by Cream magazine for its "elegant quartet" sound and hailed as "an absolute must" by Hi-Fi News & Record Review, this definitive reissue includes nine bonus tracks featuring their complete John Peel BBC session, plus a 20-page booklet with track-by-track commentary from de Albuquerque himself.
Zaaar
Ovules
Zaäar is a Belgian collective, twin project of Neptunian Maximalism, the cosmic free-jazz orchestra that has been turning the heads of psychedelic, experimental and space ambient music lovers for the past two years. Composed by singer and multi-instrumentalist Guillaume CZLT, saxophonist Jean-Jacques Duerinckx, drummer Sébastien Schmit, bassist HP Desrosiers and the electronics of Didier Nietzsche, the group produces psychedelic free-jazz soaked in droning-ambient, which awakens and stimulates old and forgotten senses since humanity lives in a grey and industrialized reality. Through the music of Zaäar, we return to a time when everything was new, dangerous and exciting. Zaäar is the reconquest of our wild side; the terrifying and primal roar of a spirit ravaged by magical drugs; the rich sounds of a soul returned to the primordial times, enjoying a life full of wonders and dangers again. Welcome to the jungle! 'Ovules' is a series of improvisations performed by Zaäar in various spaces all over the kingdom of Belgium. 'Ovules' is a triptych inspired by Tchouang-Tseu's fable 'The Dream Of The Butterfly' about dream and reality reciprocity. 'Ovules' is a surrealist jazz manifest due to a collaboration between labels WV Sorcerer Productions and Subsound Records and the preacher of the band's first proper studio album. Limited edition CD in 7" 6-panel trifold cover with obi. File under psychedelic free jazz, experimental metal, tribal industrial, space ambient.
REGGAE/DUB/SKA/ROCKSTEADY
Gordon, Vin -meets Fazal & High Time Players-
Jungle's March/jungle's Dub
Devastating trombone cut from 'Don D Junior' over a deep instrumental recently dug out from tapes performed by the great late Fazal Prendergast alongside The High Times Players recorded at Channel One studio in 1982 and mixed by Scientist at King Tubby studio. Limited edition.
SOUL/FUNK/LATIN/R&B/GOSPEL
Last Poets & Tony Allen
Africanism (2cd)
Experience the profound legacy of The Last Poets with their 2024 release 'Africanism.' Abiodun Oyewole and Umar Bin Hassan revisit and re-energize some of their seminal works such as 'When The Revolution Comes,' 'Gash Man' and 'Niggers Are Scared Of Revolution,' infusing them with fresh and potent new soundscapes. Joining the Poets are the late, great Tony Allen (Fela Kuti) - laying the album's foundations with legendary Afrobeat rhythms - Egypt 80 guitarist and bassist Akinola Adio Oyebola and Kunle Justice, jazz keyboardist Kaidi Tatham (dubbed as 'The UK's Herbie Hancock') and saxophonist Courtney Pine.
SOUNDTRACKS/LOUNGE/CULT ETC
Olsson, Kristian
Giftnalen
Book-format publication dealing with all kinds of apocalyptic culture, anarchic rants, archaic sorcery, damned poets, esoterrorist tactics, forbidden knowledge, libertine lusts, necromantic collages, oneiric musings, outlaw occultism, perversion, sinister arts and visual expansionism. 'Giftnålen' is the foul arts journal for death-obsessed brutes and society's outcasts. Revel in amoral excesses through 480 pages. Sit back and enjoy reading while this world burns. A total derangement of the senses. Heavily illustrated with tons of exclusive and rarely seen material. Harking back to the days of the late 1980s-early 1990s in terms of diversity of content, drawing inspiration from underground books and publications such as 'Amok,' 'Esoterra,' 'Exit,' 'Force Mental,' 'Pandemonium,' 'Rapid Eye Movement,' 'Svarta Fanor' and so on. 'Giftnålen' takes it next level and further into unknown territory. Edited and assembled by Kristian Olsson (Survival Unit, Alfarmania, Styggelse etc.). Hardcover, 20x29,6 cm.
NEWS
As 2024 winds down, it's officially "end-of-year list" season. Analog Africa's 'Congo Funk' compilation, available on LP and CD, has earned a spot on Uncut’s reissues list (January 2025 issue) and also made it into KLOF Magazine's year-end picks, courtesy of David Pratt. You can check it out here.
Following the devastating floods in Valencia this October, Barcelona-based psych outfit Magick Brother & Mystic Sister lent their track 'Elektra' to Nuova Materia's charitable compilation 'El Fang'. Released digitally, the compilation aims to raise funds to support affected communities. You can listen and contribute to the cause via Bandcamp.
PRESS: SELECTED REVIEW QUOTES, INTERVIEWS A.S.
CHIFF CHAFFS – Scratching My Mind (LP, Trash Wax)
“Recommended for wild parties and ideal for disturbing the neighbors… Grab it!” (TimeLord Michalis for TimeMachine)
DOCTOR VELVET – New Breed (LP, Wap Shoo Wap)
“…an album full of ’60-inspired rhythm’n’blues performed in an astonishingly fresh way! Stunning!” (TimeLord Michalis for TimeMachine)
FLEUR – Fille Sauvage (CD-LP, Soundflat)
“Dutch ‘60s yéyé icon Fleur is back, and wilder than ever!” (jazz-fun.de)
FORD’S FUZZ INFERNO – Electrofuzzification (LP, Subunderground C.A.)
“…even with the fourth of fifth spin, I still notice new little details, and I really enjioy this compact release.” (Rouven Soyka for Away From Life)
KACIMI – Panaché (LP-CD, It’s A Gas-Le Pop Club)
“The album features dreamy synths, mellow bass and smooth production. Accustomed to guitars and garage pop (The Rebels of Tijuana), KACIMI breaks with his usual habits by composing most of the tracks for this album on piano…” (PopFiltr)
LAS RATAS SICODELICAS – Viajando Con Las Ratas Sicodelicas (LP, Groovie)
“There are 14 explosive songs where you can see the influences of ‘60s garage punk and ‘80s revival, with lyrics in Spanish.” (TimeLord Michalis for TimeMachine)
SULA BASSANA/SKYJOGGERS – Split Lp (LP, Sulatron)
“…all you afficionados of that heavy Sace Modern sound, you will not be disappointed!” (TimeLord Michalis for TimeMachine)
WOLVES OF SATURN – The Deserts Echo And... (LP-CD, Clostridium)
“Raw, heavy, and dripping with otherworldly vibes, this album is a must-hear for desert rock devotees.” You can also read their recent interview about their upcoming album. (Justin Jackley for It’s Psychedelic Baby! Magazine)
NAUSEA – Cybergod/Lie Cycle (CD-LP, Svart)
There’s a brand new interview about Nausea and the re-releases of this material available on It’s Psychedelic Baby Magazine.
ZAAAR – Ovules (CD, Subsound)
“…this Belgian avant-garde collective crafts a sonic exploration of perception and transformation.” (It’s Psychedelic Baby! Magazine)
UPCOMING CONCERTS
MINERALL (SULATRON)
21-12-2024: Esslingen (D) - Komma, Light in Bloom Festival
22-12-2024: Ulm (D) - Hexenhaus
NICK WHEELDON (LE POP CLUB)
18-01-2025: Tourcoing (F) – Grand Mix
23-01-2025: Paris (F) – Le Point Ephémère
24-01-2025: Rennes (F) - Marquis De Sade
25-01-2025: St. Brieuc (F) – t.b.a.
26-01-2025: Rouen (F) – Secret location
28-01-2025: Troyes (F) – Le Fer À Gus
29-01-2-25: Dijon (F) – Un Singe En Hiver
31-01-2025: Colmar (F) – Le Grillen
KACIMI (LE POP CLUB)
23-01-2025: Paris (F) – Le Point Ephémère
11-02-2025: Genève (CH) – Urgence Disk
SOCCER COMMITTEE (MORC)
26-01-2025: Rotterdam (NL) – Koffie & Ambacht (afternoon)
LABASHEEDA (PRESTO CHANGO)
14-02-2025: Amsterdam (NL) – Nieuwe Anita
SULA BASSANA - with band (SULATRON)
28-03-2025: Berlin (D) - Neue Zukunft
17-04-2025: Bochum (D) - Planetarium
FORD’S FUZZ INFERNO (SUBUNDERGROUND C.A.)
19-04-2025: Haarlem (NL) - Slachthuis
26-04: Leiden (NL) - Resistor