New Releases Tuesday - 11/14

Jarvis - S/T (Rough Trade)
I'm totally biased because I'm a big fan of Pulp and Brit Pop in general, but I'd say this is one of those releases that's worth shelling over the import cash for. Or, because the high price of the import version might keep the Brit Pop-lovin fan in your life from picking this one up right away, this would make a great gift for the holidays. (wink, wink...nudge, nudge) Ah, but how's the record you ask? So far I love the first three tracks, especially "Black Magic" with its great "Crimson & Clover" sample. Listening to the full album stream on JarvSpace yesterday, I remember losing a bit of interest on a couple of tracks in the middle...but thought it rebounded nicely toward the end. Also, as a great added touch, the much publicized Internet-only single "(Cunts Are Still)Running the World" serves as the hidden bonus track. Perhaps they're huge fans as well, but I couldn't help but notice that The Guardian gave the album a full 5-stars.

Download: Jarvis - "Black Magic"

Tahiti 80 - Fosbury (Militia)
Fifth album from the French indie popsters who originally debuted stateside via Chicago's Minty Fresh label. I knew this was a domestic reissue, but didn't realize until I looked it up that this record dates all the way back to April of 2005 (ouch!). To reward stateside fans for their patience, they have at least included a few US exclusive bonus tracks on this issue, including an amazing cover of "Happy Together" by the Turtles. Check them out live this Thursday at Double Door.

Watch: Tahiti 80 - "Big Day"

ALSO NEW THIS WEEK...

...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead - So Divided (Interscope)
Joanna Newsom - Y's (Drag City)
Walter Meego - Romantic EP (Brilliante)
Damien Rice - 9 (Heffa)
Tralala - Is That The Tralala
White Magic - Dat Rosa Mel Apibus (Drag City)

BEST OF/GIFT SETS OUT THIS WEEK...

Johnny Cash - Live At San Quentin [Legacy Edition CD/DVD]
The Clash - Singles [Box set of 19 individual CD singles with original artwork]
Depeche Mode - Best Of, Vol 1. [CD/DVD or CD-only]
Mercury Rev - Essential Mercury Rev: The Weird Years 1991-2006
Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Live at the Fillmore East 1970