The reissue of James Chance and the Contortions‘ live album Soul Exorcism heads the discs spinning at ALARM this week, May 21-25, 2007.
James Chance and the Contortions
Soul Exorcism Redux (ROIR)
Release: 5/22/07
Originally released in 1991, this live album of alto saxophonist/vocalist James Chance’s lively funk/jazz has been reissued with three bonus tracks. The performance itself took place in Rotterdam, Holland in June of 1980 and included a rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.”
Haze XXL / Dalek
A Purge of Dissidents: Art and Animations of Dalek (Ipecac)
Release: 5/22/07
No, this release has nothing to do with the hip hop group named Dalek that is also on Ipecac. Featuring the wide-eyed, toothy, grinning, mouse-like characters by the visual artist of the same moniker, this double-disc release includes a noisy, abstract rock soundtrack from Haze XXL, a.k.a. Tom Hazelmyer (founder of Amphetamine Reptile Records). The release also comes with a book, and the aural component includes vocal contributions from David Yow (The Jesus Lizard), Jon Spencer (Blues Explosion), Grant Hart (Husker Du), and Craig Finn (The Hold Steady).
Haze XXL: “Spunk”
Bergraven
Dodsvisioner (Hydra Head)
Release: 5/8/07
Though specializing in mid-tempo black metal, Sweden’s Bergraven can also lay down some solemn clean-channel guitar work. Dodsvisioner, which was released in conjunction with Total Holocaust Records, comes strongly recommended for fans of dissonant metal with vocals reminiscent of groups like At the Gates.
Tincup Prophette
Liar and the Thief
Release: 4/24/07
Powerful pop centered on the vocals of Amanda Kapousouz, who is responsible for writing nearly all the material on Liar and the Thief. Looped violins, tinges of glockenspiel, trip-hop beats, and incorporation of cello, accordion, and guitar give this self-released album a beautiful minimalist backdrop.