Daily Vinyl Delights [26th June 2024]

"Vinyl is a human-sized medium, and that's the point. It forces you to sit down and pay attention, to be intentional about your listening."

Welcome to your daily dose of vinyl delight! Today's releases are sure to captivate both seasoned collectors and new vinyl lovers alike. Let’s dive into the latest records that will elevate your listening experience and add a touch of analog warmth to your day.

1. 10.21 by Skycamefalling: The legendary album "10.21" by Skycamefalling is now available on vinyl for the first time. Mastered by Will Putney and remixed by Chris Bittner at Applehead Studios, this self-released edition includes re-recorded guitars and additional elements, all wrapped in the distinctive artwork of Jon Contino. This collector's gem comes in gatefold packaging, offering a fresh and immersive experience that invites listeners to rediscover the emotional intensity of Skycamefalling's music.
2. Black Sails in the Sunset (25th Anniversary) by AFI: The 25th anniversary reissue of AFI’s fourth studio album, "Black Sails in the Sunset," originally released on Nitro Records in 1999, is now available. Praised by Alternative Press as the band's "first epic" with a 4.5-star review, this album marks the debut of AFI's current lineup with the addition of Jade Puget. This special edition features three bonus tracks: the never-before-released "Weight of Words," the Japanese B-side "Who Knew?" and "Lower It," exclusive to the vinyl format.
3. Sugar Honey Iced Tea by musclecars: "**Sugar Honey Iced Tea!**" is the eagerly awaited debut album from musclecars, slated for release in May 2024 via BBE Music. Having solidified their reputation in the club scene through their vibrant Coloring Lessons parties and their residency at Nowadays in NYC, as well as through genre-blending performances worldwide, musclecars are poised to introduce listeners to a meticulously crafted new soundscape. This upcoming album features 13 tracks that collectively offer a profound insight into the Afro-American experience, touching on themes of joy, loss, intimacy, helplessness, perseverance, and the myriad emotions in between. From the very first track, musclecars delve into an exploration of afro-dystopia, guiding listeners through an album that imagines futures born from self-preservation and self-discovery.
4. Found by Rival School: **Rival Schools' "Found"** is a treasure trove of rarities, demos, and alternate takes, compiled from the years following the release of their 2001 debut album, *United By Fate*. Originally released over a decade ago, the band has partnered with Run For Cover Records for a special reissue, coinciding with the reissue of their 2011 album, *Pedals*. "Found" features eleven tracks that showcase the diverse sounds the band experimented with during the decade between these albums. This limited color vinyl reissue is a must-have for any Rival Schools fan.
5. Ornithology: The Best Of Bird by Charlie Parker: **Ornithology: The Best of Bird** is a newly curated compilation album featuring 11 tracks from the legendary jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker. This collection serves as an ideal introduction to Parker's influential work, showcasing his prime years from 1945 to 1953. Notable tracks include "Ko-Ko," "Billie's Bounce," and "Groovin' High." The newly designed sleeve features an essay by Grammy Award-winning writer Ashley Kahn, offering insightful context and appreciation for Parker's enduring legacy.