Known for their genre-defying sound, Phantogram once again push boundaries with a mesmerizing blend of dark psychedelia, electronic pop and hard-hitting beats, exploring themes of nostalgia and memories. Featuring the hypnotic lead singles "Come Alive" and "All A Mystery," co-produced by Grammy-winner John Hill.
A kaleidoscopic pop adventure is maybe the most apt way to describe Octoberland – every song a twist of that colorful cylinder and each sharing a whole new aspect to The Armoires’ rich palette of songwriting and virulence. It’s bold, diverse and bewitching; the kind of release the sun and joy of life come out for.
Reimagining the transcendent works of Beethoven, alongside original compositions inspired by Batiste's youth in the heart of New Orleans, the album extends timeless classics across the genre spectrum. It’s a way of paying homage to Beethoven's artistry, bringing it into a singular moment, in true creative partnership with Batiste's artistic work and journey.
Theoriginal score for Ken Burns’ new documentary adds crucial connective tissue to areas where the record of Leonardo’s life is thin and it’s possible to briefly lose his trail. Shaw’s music—joyful, daring, at times transcendent, and wholly unique—seems to speak directly to Leonardo, a seeking soul who, 500 years after his death, can come across as strikingly modern.
With Todos Nacen Gritando, St. Vincent delivers a fully Spanish language version of her self-produced album. Inspired by passionate singalongs at her shows in Mexico, Spain, and South America, Todos Nacen Gritando answers the question: If they can sing along in a 2nd or 3rd language, why can’t I meet them halfway?
Halsey’sThe Great Impersonator reimagines her career throughout the decades, displaying a conceptual artist at the top of her game. It’s a masterclass in honesty as Halsey deftly wields the enticements of pop, all the while exploring ageless issues regarding self, suffering, and the pursuit of wholeness.
Shooting Star is one of Tod’s boldest statement yet—a defiant stand against the Nashville establishment, wrapped in the timeless sounds of honky-tonk. Tod brings his life experiences and musical influences into the mix, crafting what could be considered a “True Country Album” in defiance of the mainstream.
Featuring Billy Strings, SG Goodman and Avi Kaplan, Kiah offers a darkly cinematic twist. With its sonic palette encompassing everything from fuzzed-out guitars and industrial-leaning beats to gilded pedal steel and Kiah’s exquisitely graceful banjo work, Still + Bright fully affirms her as an artist of both daring originality and uncompromising depth.
Former Five Finger Death Punch lead guitarist Jason Hook marches on with his new project, continuing with his well-established brand of guitar-centric hard rock and metal. Dark Side… is an absolute rager, with thunderous, headbanger-worthy rhythms and thick guitars alongside strong, melodic and catchy choruses.
Cartoon Darkness stretches from classic punk to the glammy strut of hit single "U Should Not Be Doing That" to the stormy balladry of "Big Dreams" to pugnacious punk of "Jerkin." It’s their most diverse release yet. The Sniffers are back and back with a vengeance - bigger, brighter, smarter and sharper in every way.
Award-winning Canadian blues rock one-man band Steve Hill imagines his newest album will feel like a concept album, set in a dystopian world where music is the only salvation. The funny thing is that it's not set in the distant future, it's right here and now, and the hero is not a made-up character, it's just Steve doing what he's been doing for decades.
Motivated by the need to continue honoring her late sister's spirit, Briggs weaves her loss and grief into life-honoring moments that are buoyant, irreverent and embracing. Tell My Therapist… kicks off with “Mona Lisa On A Mattress” which Briggs shared "is about a messy, sexy, toxic relationship I fell hopelessly into."
Inspired by family traditions and the warmth that surrounds Christmas, the album, the vinyl version has a Christmas game on the inside of the gatefold with accompanying game pieces and a virtual die, inspiring families everywhere to create a new tradition of a "vinyl + family game night" during the holidays. Featuring duets with Kelly Clarkson and Idarose.
Based on one of the most beloved musicals on stage, the generation-defining film adaptation of Wicked is destined to be the most talked-about film of the holiday season. Starring Emmy, Grammy, and Tony winning Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda.
A holiday comedy collection of all original songs with collaborations from the biggest superstars on the (snow) globe to enjoy while we rock around the tree. Includes "It Was A... (Masked Christmas)" featuring Ariana Grande & Megan Thee Stallion, "Almost Too Early For Christmas" featuring Dolly Parton, and "Wrap Me Up" featuring Meghan Trainor.
On one level, brent represents the musical union of multi-platinum artists. On another, it’s an ongoing dialogue between two good friends. Love can often be a display of difficulty, hardship and heart-wrenching pain, but Zucker and Cutler bring color and vibrancy to a life that may otherwise feel black and white.
From the dreamy melancholy opening of “Ecotone” and the intricate opulence of five-part sprawl “Out In The Open,” to the prog-friendly 11-minute epic “Beating Hearts,” and the sobering noir of the closing “Torrential Downpour,” Beardfish have not just made their strongest work to date, but also their most emotionally resonant.
When Gaerea emerged, the masked band came branded with a vision of black metal that was guided not by myths or pagan beliefs but a purging of emotion. With Coma, Gaerea broadens their signature sound by taking it in two seemingly opposed directions with moments of intense atmospheric beauty heightened by blistering heaviness.
When I Found… expands Bonzie’s singular artistry and mines inspiration from such eclectic sources as the psychedelic sci-fi of Satoshi Kon’s Paprika and the elemental folk/blues of guitarist Elizabeth Cotton. It’s an intimate exploration of the often-slippery line between truth and illusion, inviting both illuminating contemplation and absolute pop surrender.
Life In The Wires may be indulgent and nostalgic, but Frost*’s talents make it both a blast from the past and a breath of fresh air. It’s all the soaring choruses, high octane verses, and instrumental passages with those amazing keyboard and guitar solos you could ever ask for. And then some.
“Maybe it’s my LA record,” Jordan Nye says of her Laurel Canyon folk and shimmery yacht rock album. “I can’t pinpoint exactly what affected it, but I do think the sun has its beam on me.” Recorded over the course of a year with close collaborator Emmett Kai, the album owes a debt to Carole King, The Mamas & The Papas and Hall & Oates or Steely Dan.
This album is not just for fans of prog and jazz rock, but for anyone who appreciates real music. With analog signal processing throughout, from microphone to vinyl pressing, A Memory Of Our Future is an audiophile and socio-political manifesto of precision and passion that can be felt in every note of the opus.
Following up on the global success of their album Let The Bad Times Roll, legendary So-Cal punk group The Offspring release their 11th album Supercharged. Produced by Bob Rock, the record continues the band's legacy with some of their best songwriting to date and unmatched musical energy.
Sophie Allison is again writing about her life, but life’s different these days: Since 2022's Sometimes, Forever, Allison experienced a profound & personal loss. New songs emerged, unflinching reflections on what she was feeling. She wanted them to sound that way too, as true to the demos as possible. Nothing overindulgent, everything real.
Features four new tracks plus live performances of hit songs like “Shout”, “Head Over Heels”, “Everybody Wants To Rule The World”, “Mad World” & more. Spanning all eras of the band from The Hurting to The Tipping Point and beyond, this record takes you on the incomparable sonic journey that is a Tears For Fears live show and their career to date.
At once timeless and timely, in fact downright cowpunk-tual, Yoakamk’s self-produced Brighter Days blends a modern reverence for the history of country music with the pioneering rock and roll spirit of California. The result creates a sense of craftsmanship and immediacy that captures the quintessential Dwight Yoakam “cool”.
The Coalition of Independent Music Stores (CIMS) is a national level organization comprised of the best independent record stores in America. CIMS was founded in 1995 with the goal of uniting like minded independent store owners, giving them a more powerful voice in the music industry. The stores that make up CIMS are all very different, but we share the same desires – to be the heart of our communities, to super-serve our customers, to support and develop artists, and to share our love of music.
For more information about CIMS and the stores in our organization, please visit cimsmusic.com or find us through social media with the #cimsmusic hashtag. And please remember to always shop local by supporting your neighborhood record store.