1) Jake Xerxes Fussell When I’m Called (Fat Possum Records)
Our pal, Jake, is back with possibly his best record yet. Locals will remember Jake from playing gigs around Oxford in the mid-2000s or as the bandleader for the Thacker Mtn. Radio house band. He now lives in Durham, North Carolina where he’s been steadily releasing some really great albums. This new one is his first on local label, Fat Possum Records, and it’s our Record of the Month Club selection for July. Highly recommended.
2) Alex Chilton Like Flies on Sherbert (Sundazed)
Chilton’s debut solo album from 1979 gets a nice reissue pressed on blue vinyl. The album features long-time Oxford legend, Jim Dickinson, as well as other Memphis luminaries, not to mention the cover photo by William Eggleston. This is garage rock at its finest from the Big Star leader. No pretension, all boogie. Sherbert was our Record of the Month Club pick for June.
3) Modest Mouse Good News for People Who Love Bad News–20th Anniversary Edition (Epic Records)
Recorded right here in Oxford nearly 21 years ago at the now-defunct Sweet Tea recording studio. This album sent Modest Mouse into the stratosphere of indie-rock popularity and it’s still amazing to hear 20 years later. This anniversary packaging contains several new remixed tracks, new artwork, and colored vinyl.
4) The Meters Now Playing (Warner Music)
Finally! You don’t have to pay crazy prices for an original pressing of a record by The Meters! New Orleans’ finest funk group stretched across a budget-friendly compilation of classic swamp soul groove. This should be on everyone’s turntable all summer long.
5) Bass Drum of Death Live… and let die (Cobraside)
Hopefully you caught local fave, Bass Drum of Death, at Double Decker this past April. The band freaking rocked with their mid-day set! Well, now you can take home that feeling with this new live album. Recorded in Chicago last year, the album showcases the band in top form. It’s heavy. It’s catchy. It rips.
