Unwrap the Magic: This Week's Vinyl Gems [24th June 2024]

"Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart." – Pablo Casals

Vinyl lovers, your moment has arrived! This week brings a fresh wave of new releases that are sure to enchant your ears and elevate your listening experience. From timeless classics reimagined to bold new projects making their vinyl debut, there’s a wealth of musical treasures waiting to be discovered. Join us as we explore the standout records hitting the shelves and the stories behind them. Whether you’re looking to expand your collection or find the perfect gift for a fellow audiophile, this week’s vinyl offerings are not to be missed. Let’s dive into the grooves and uncover the magic that awaits.

1. Happenings by Kasabian: Kasabian is following up their UK Number One album, 'The Alchemist's Euphoria', with a new release titled 'Happenings'. This album is exclusively pressed on a 'shroom picture disc, limited to just 2,000 hand-numbered copies. Celebrating 20 years since their debut, the Leicester band continues to deliver with their signature expansive sounds and poignant commentary on the impacts of technology.
2. Glorious Game (Instrumentals) By El Michels Affair & Black Thought: Released on Big Crown Records, the LP titled 'Glorious Game' marks a significant debut collaboration. Michels delivers his signature bottom-heavy, soul-infused production, setting the stage for Black Thought, who offers some of his most personal and transparent verses to date. The first single, "Grateful," is a deep, low-end banger featuring a haunting flute line that sets the tone for the entire album. Black Thought's lyrics balance the line between street wisdom and poetic reflection, paying homage to his roots and the influences that shaped him. The title track, "Glorious Game," features a laid-back bassline and rhythmic drum pattern, with Black Thought rhyming at double speed about the challenges of fame and respect while affirming his established place in hip-hop. With Black Thought's pure lyrical prowess and Michels' tailored beat-making, this album stands out in today's hip-hop landscape for its absence of flashy guest features and trendy gimmicks, focusing instead on raw, authentic artistry.
3. Tenacious D by Tenacious D: The album 'Tenacious D,' named after the iconic rock band fronted by Jack Black and Kyle Gass, showcases their signature blend of comedy and rock. Featuring Dave Grohl on drums, the album includes hits like "Tribute" and "Wonderboy." This marks the first time the album is available on vinyl outside the United States, offering fans a chance to experience the band's debut album in a classic format.
4. Up!: Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Disney*Pixar’s beloved animated film 'Up' with this unique die-cut collectible vinyl picture disc. It features two enchanting score cues from Michael Giacchino’s Academy Award-winning soundtrack, encapsulating the whimsical spirit of the film and preparing you for your own global adventure!
5. Below A Massive Dark Land by Naima Bock: Most of the writing for Naima Bock’s second album, *Below A Massive Dark Land* (out 27 September via Sub Pop), was done in solitude. Despite this, the album is filled with robust, purposeful arrangements featuring a multitude of musicians, enveloped in a warm, inviting light. This may come as a surprise to those who have seen Naima perform since the release of her 2022 debut, *Giant Palm*, which was undeniably a communal experience. The new record retains the majestic quality that made *Giant Palm* remarkable, bringing its ethereal elements down to earth with a newfound vocal strength and confidence developed through countless hours on stage. The music feels fuller and more tangible, yet remains just as immersive. This creates an album that embodies contradictions: it is both communal and solitary, grounded yet free, intimate yet spacious. These dualities make *Below A Massive Dark Land* comforting and familiar, offering a safe space to explore without demanding all the answers immediately.