Outside the Heard

	Enrico Rava Quartet Wild Dance ECM Records

Enrico Rava and his new quartet into the studio and recorded a program of original material that covers a broad range of moods from brooding ballad playing to fiery uptempo post-bop. Once again Rava’s playing makes it clear that lightness and intensity, elegant cool and emotional warmth are no opposites.

	Max Richter From Sleep Deutsche Grammophon

Influenced equally by post-rock, classical music and the electronic avant-garde, one of Britain's leading contemporary composers, Max Richter, has a new piece called 'Sleep'—an eight-hour lullaby that is intended to send the listener to sleep. The landmark work is scored for piano, strings, electronics and vocals - but no words. It's his personal lullaby for a frenetic world. From Sleep is a one-hour adaptation of the full work.

	Various Artists Hommage á Eberhard Weber ECM Records

In January 2015, music lovers converged upon Stuttgarts Theaterhaus for two consecutive nights to celebrate the 75th birthday of bassist Eberhard Weber. The concerts centered around a specially commissioned 35-minute suite by Pat Metheny, with whom Weber had played and recorded back in the 1970s, which was composed / arranged based on some of Weber’s greatest solos.

	Black Violin Stereotypes Universal Music Classics

Black Violin radically fuse hip-hop and pop with classical music to create a kaleidoscope of sounds uniquely their own. Composed of mostly original works, Stereotypes effortlessly shifts from classic hip-hop to pulsing R&B and fiery instrumentals. Guests include Black Thought (of The Roots), drummer Daru Jones (Jack White), guitarist Eric Krasno (Soulive) and string arranger Rob Moose (Bon Iver).

	John Scofield Past Present Impulse!

The nine exciting tunes Jon Scofield penned on Past Present reflect his philosophy on playing jazz music – stressing the importance of knowing the music’s deep, complex roots while simultaneously being spontaneous and in the moment while performing it. Shades of Ornette Coleman, Aaron Copeland, Rodgers & Hammerstein, and New Orleans groove color these dynamic tunes.

	Futurebirds Hotel Parties Easy Sound

Six years ain't a hell of a lot of time, but Futurebirds have filled 'em with a whole lot of living. Laying down their shoe-gazing country, harmonious psychedelia, and barnstorming, ragged rock both on record and in person, the Athens, Georgia-based band explores the toils, joys, and struggles of being in a band on its third long-player, Hotel Parties – a record that doubles as an “accidental concept record” and the band’s most concise offering to date.

	Front Bottoms Back On Top fueled by ramen

The Front Bottoms are a punk band that uses acoustic guitar, indie-rock dance grooves, and new wave keyboards. It’s hook-filled, it’s anthemic, it’s confessional, it’s pretty smart (ass). Think Joni Mitchell by way of Green Day… They must have heard some Replacements along the way, and it seems like what Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers did for the Boston suburbs these guys are doing for Bergen County, NJ. They probably really like The Weakerthans, too.

	Gabrielle Aplin Light Up The Dark PRW

Light Up The Dark is British chanteuse Gabrielle Aplin’s official full-length, U.S. debut. Aplin drew inspiration largely from her longtime idol Joni Mitchell, along with elements from Feist’s 2007 album The Reminder but with bigger beats and bravado. Additional influences for the album came from Aplin’s time spent touring the world over the past few years, allowing her to improve upon her natural musicianship, heightening her guitar and piano skills and incorporating new dimensions of songwriting borne from time spent with other musicians.

	Phases For Life WBR

Phases is the result of four friends listening to the universe and working tirelessly to make their dream a reality. The result is a party album culled from all the best moments of its players’ favorite decades, a cosmic validation of shared creativity, and turning past struggle and strife into excitement and pure joy. It’s the soundtrack to your favorite 80s movie that never existed – especially “Betty Blue” which is practically begging the universe for an Irene Cara revival. “I’m In Love With My Life” will make you in love with yours.

	Rudimental We The Generation NBB

Sound-clashing live instruments, progressive beats and soulful voices, Rudimental's extended family is one of the most dynamic musical collectives out there – every guest vocalist naturally immersing themselves in the melting pot. There are special moments in abundance on We The Generation, one particular moment comes in the form of ‘New Day Coming', a standout future-soul classic in waiting that features vocals by the late Bobby Womack.

	firekid firekid ATL

firekid is the brainchild of Dillon Hodges. A child guitar prodigy, Dillon won the National Guitar Championship at the age of 17, the 2nd youngest person to ever win the competition. Dillon moved to Nashville to work on music that could help him grow from the confines of the bluegrass world to a bigger audience. Returning to his roots, firekid recorded the debut album in Muscle Shoals with the help of producer and songwriter Sam Hollander (The Fray, Train).

	JR JR JR JR WBR

Jr Jr’s [FKA Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.] self-titled new album represents a complete realization of the creative union between members Daniel Zott and Joshua Epstein. "To me, this album is like the third part in a series," explains Epstein. "When we first started the band, we were trying to make pop music in the way we remembered and learned it. You can feel that on our first album… The second took everything a step further… JR JR has a little bit of both worlds. It's the culmination of the series so far."

	Fetty Wap Fetty Wap ATL

Fetty Wap is 2015's breakout artist. The Paterson, NJ bred hip-hop artist released his now 3x platinum hit, "Trap Queen" in August 2014. Nearly one year later- Fetty Wap has earned 3 #1 spots on radio charts, topped streaming charts and has become the first artist to have first act to simultaneously chart first four singles in the top 10 of Hot Rap Songs with the help of the smash follow up singles, "679", "My Way" and "Again." Fetty Wap has all of this and more.

	Jamie Lawson Jamie Lawson ATL

Jamie Lawson’s self-titled debut recalls Moondance-era Van Morrison meeting the poppy accessibility of James Morrison, with perhaps a tip of the hat to Damien Rice and Ray LaMontagne. From the fragile, tenderly lovely ‘All Is Beauty’ and ‘Cold In Ohio’ to the reassuring optimism of ‘Someone For Everyone’, this is an album that showcases a writer and a singer who is comfortably, confidently and completely himself.

	Rey Pila The Future Sugar Cult Records

Rooted in Mexico City, Rey Pila is the solo project of Diego Solorzano, former frontman for Los Dynamite. After splitting from Los Dynamite in 2008, Diego immediately began work on material for his solo project. With the help of producer Chris Coady (Beach House, Smith Westerns, Wavves), Rey Pila’s sophomore album, The Future Sugar, is a synth-laden, guitar-driven collection of pop gems.

	Baio The Names Glassnote

Since 2006, Baio has been best known as the bass-player in Vampire Weekend. In his downtime between tours, however, Baio recognized in himself an increasing restlessness, a desire to explore his own individual voice away from the band. Across its nine tracks, Baio wanted to return, in part, to the electronic music he had enjoyed while DJing at college, but also to investigate his own lyrical and vocal style to create something quite new and not easily categorized. “It’s not a band record, it’s not a solo record and it’s not a producer record, but a combination of all three,” he says. “I wanted to create a space where almost anything could happen.”

	Oberhofer Chronovision Glassnote

With Chronovision, Oberhofer’s familiar sound — amped psych-pop with orchestral flourish, New Wave flare, and grungy fuzz — the intensity has been ratcheted up. The brighter moments are more brilliant, almost manically so, and the darker hues have deepened in kind -- the bliss of Brian Wilson’s SMiLE (“Sun Halo”) as he is the blooming melancholia of early Grandaddy (“What You Know”). The ghosts of Lou Reed and Del Shannon lurk these halls, too. It took 106 demos and dozens of sessions to get here, but the destination was worth the journey – the proof is in the songs.

	Brigitte A Bouche que veux-tu A Bouche que veux-tu The End

Brigitte - the platinum-selling female vocalist duo consisting of Aurélie Saada and Sylvie Hoarau - bring us their second album, A bouche que veux-tu (translation: Mouth of Plenty). The two singers personify the femme fatale with a unique, unclassified style, subtle whispers, irresistible melodies, and a vintage femme fetale style that will arouse the Francophile in us all.

	Herb Alpert Come Fly With Me Herb Alpert Presents

Quoth Miles Davis: "You hear three notes and you know it's Herb Alpert." Indeed. And that unforgettable tone is back on Come Fly With Me – a mix of new Alpert originals and classic American tunes ("Come Fly With Me", "Blue Skies", and "Take The A Train" are just a few that are featured), performed as only the beloved trumpeter can.

	Coheed and Cambria The Color Before the Sun 300

The Color Before The Sun marks the first time Claudio Sanchez is exposing his raw feelings, narrated from his own perspective – the anxiety of fatherhood, the disorienting feeling of losing a home, the reflections had during early-morning walks. The first Coheed and Cambria album without an epic concept, this is own story is told through big, bright, driving, colorful songs that beam like power-pop, crunch like vintage ‘90s emo-core, and float with the expansive feel of space-rock.

	Christine and the Queens Chaleur Humaine Atlantic

Powerful minimalism, an economy of instruments and tracks, infectious grooves, organic and forthright vocals, a quest for contemporary colors and empowering strings – these are some of the things that make Christine and The Queens a unique musical force. A star in France, Chaleur Humaine is Christine and The Queens proper introduction to English audiences. Fans of both Michael Nyman and Michael Jackson will find much here to love.

	Hamilton Original Broadway Cast Recording Atlantic

Hamilton - which transferred to Broadway following a sold-out run at The Public Theater in NYC - is the acclaimed new musical about the scrappy young immigrant Alexander Hamilton, the $10 Founding Father who forever changed America with his revolutionary ideas and actions. The Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording) is executive produced by The Roots’ Questlove and Black Thought.

	Casey Veggies Live & Grow Columbia

Casey Veggies has been rapping since he was a teenager with Hoop Dreams. When music overtook his love for basketball, he co-founded Odd Future and established the label / record store Peas & Carrots. Now, after years of staying on the fringes, Casey has finally released his first solo album, Live and Grow. Minimal, trippy, and brimming with easy confidence, Live and Grow was worth the wait. Ty Dolla Sign and Tyler, The Creator guest.

	Big Grams Big Grams Epic

Big Grams is long-rumored and greatly anticipated collaboration between OutKast’s Big Boi and power electronic duo, Phantogram. It’s a match made in heaven as well as an unlikely concept album – seven tracks that deal with the Seven Deadly Sins. And, yes, it’s as awesome as you’d hope it would be. Run The Jewels and Skrillex guest.

	Kill The Noise Occult Classic Owsla

Kill The Noise has been a staple in Electronic Music since 2008. Occult Classic is his full-length debut on Skrillex's OWSLA, following a string of Singles and EP's that have made him one of the most recognizable artists and personalities on the scene. It features 12 hard hitting and dynamic tracks that features a wide array of artists including Dillon Francis, Feed Me, Tommy Trash, Madsonik, Bryn Christopher, 2ton and Aaron from AWOLNATION.

	Teen Daze Morning World Paper Bag

Morning World is eleven fully-built, balanced, and expressed songs – the most vulnerable and honest Teen Daze LP to date. Thematically, Teen Daze paints a familiar picture: a Garden of Eden, a place of transcendent, pain-free beauty, but with one key distinction – it's not real and time there is finite. With vocals boldly up front-surrounded by strings, piano, guitar, and live percussion-Teen Daze has composed the soundtrack for a world big enough for two.

	Meg Myers Sorry Atlantic

Meg Myers has spent a lot of time on the road, headlining clubs, supporting such artists including Pixies, and stealing the show at an array of top festivals. Her new album, Sorry, has already begun to draw advance raves, with Elle hailing its “battering guitars, shrieking, sinful vocals, and a fiery woman taking names and extinguishing her insecurities.” Cosmopolitan praised Sorry as “equal parts haunting and headbanging.”

The Dead Weather is comprised of Dean Fertita, Jack Lawrence, Alison Mosshart and Jack White. The impetus for the band came when Mosshart’s band The Kills opened on a few US tour dates for The Raconteurs. Recognizing immediately the musical synergy between Mosshart, White and Lawrence, the trio devised a plot to record together during some down time in White’s own Third Man Recording Studio in Nashville where White enlisted the addition of erstwhile Raconteurs’ touring accomplice and Queens Of The Stone Age collaborator Dean Fertita. What was initially imagined as a one-off collaboration for a 7” single release turned into a full-blown album project once the quartet switched on the recording tape. The Dead Weather’s menacing sounds were so electrifying that they couldn’t help but keep the tape rolling. In three weeks they had recorded a full-length album, Horehound – a dark, spacious, and hip-hop inflected rock n’ roll masterpiece. The band’s follow-up effort, Sea of Cowards, came soon after. After some extensive touring, the band remained quiet for a few years, eventually teasing new music in the form of a handful of 7” records. Now, Dodge and Burn finds the band fully-reactivated with a collection of new songs as ferocious and sexy as you hoped.

The Dead Weather -
Dodge and Burn
Third Man Records

Music Complete is New Order’s first full studio release since 2005’s Waiting For The Siren’s Call. Music Complete finds the legendary and groundbreaking group revitalized – where the group has previously pushed toward electronics or guitars, here the two are in balance. Tracks like “Plastic” and “Restless” are two great examples of this dichotomy – the former is New Order at their driving, pulsating, and aggressively electronic best, while the latter is a gorgeous yet spartan affair led by a driving acoustic guitar and New Order’s unique rhythm section. Music Complete also marks a return to the studio for Gillian Gilbert, this is her first album with New Order since 2001’s Get Ready. Music Complete was produced by New Order, except ‘Singularity’ and ‘Unlearn This Hatred’ which were produced by Tom Rowlands of the Chemical Brothers, while ‘Superheated’ features additional production by Stuart Price. Long-term collaborator Peter Saville provides art direction. Music Complete is an exciting return to form New Order, but we hope the title doesn’t portend retirement – we’re hoping that the music won’t stop.

New Order -
Music Complete
Mute

Coming four years after The Rip Tide, and recorded over a two week period during one of the coldest New York winters – with blizzard after blizzard raging outside – Beirut’s new album, No No No, reflects a particularly difficult time for songwriter Zach Condon, whose broken marriage and constant touring left him hospitalized with severe exhaustion. He was stuck in Australia at the time, but has thankfully managed to pull his life back together by getting back to New York and finding love again. Despite the album’s rough origins, No No No is Beirut’s most vibrant and spirited record to date – it’s sunny outlook apparent from the exuberant percussion of the album’s lead track, “Gibraltar,” the glorious swell of horns at the heart of “At Once,” and unlikely disco of “Perth.” If the darkest hour is right before the dawn, Condon’s dawn is the brightest point in his still-young career. He’s found his true artistic identity as a songwriter – one that greatly abandons many of the formulas for which he was first known. The songwriter within Condon has always been there, albeit sonically veiled on past records. It’s never been presented so prominently, and finds Beirut on its most stable and convincing footing yet.

Beirut -
No No No
4AD

Kurt Vile (real name) has slowly, quietly become one of the great American guitarists and songwriters of our time. Kurt was born in 1980, one of ten children, and raised in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia. As a teenager, his bluegrass-loving father gifted him with a banjo, when what Kurt craved was a guitar – so he played it as if it were. Bewitched by lo-fi figureheads like Beck, Pavement, and Smog, along with a love for classics like Petty, Creedence, and Neil Young, he recorded his first songs and self-distributed them on CD-R between 2003 and 2007. These were compiled on 2008’s Constant Hitmaker and the 2009 mini-album God Is Saying This To You... The dreamy and psychedelic tangles of damaged but still-lyrical songcraft announced a major new artist wandering in from the hinterlands. He’s been on a roll ever since. b’lieve i’m goin down... is Vile’s 6th album, and shows Kurt both deeply introspective and briskly self-assured. Recorded and mixed in a number of locations, including Los Angeles and Joshua Tree, b'lieve i'm goin down... is a handshake across the country –weightless, bodyless, but grounded in its unique weirdness. It’s his best record yet – and “Pretty Pimpin’” and the amazing “Life Like This” are indicative of it’s immense charm. You need this.

Kurt Vile -
b'lieve I'm goin down
Matador

The Coalition of Independent Music Stores (CIMS) is a group of some of the best independent music stores in America. CIMS was founded in 1995; its current membership is made up of 29 accounts that handle 47 stores in 21 states. Many of the accounts have been recognized by the music industry and their local communities for their outstanding dedication to customer service and developing artist support.

Each member is bound by its shared love of music, a reputation for great selection and customer service in its community, yet each CIMS account is as unique as the market it represents. Most importantly, CIMS member stores continually seek to challenge the jaded, color-by-numbers advertising and marketing of other retailers.