Vinyl lovers have few really excellent sources for reviews and even basic information about the huge number of LP reissues hitting the shelves. Well, that has changed. Check out: Vinyl Reviews The site was founded by Shane Buettner, who just happens to be the owner of the superb reissue label called Intervention Records, which does AAA vinyl reissues, and SACDs. Speaking of AAA, Vinyl Reviews has a designation for all analog mastering, aside from notes about sound quality. Both Vinyl Reviews and Intervention Records are doing really great things for music lovers..

“Banshee” and “The Turn”, two cuts from Jerome Sabbagh’s The Turn LP. (Courtesy of the The Vinyl Room YouTube Channel Order here: Jerome Sabbagh Official Web Page

Now: Henning – Galileo Henning is mysterious band out of Sweden on the Graphais label that specializes in mid tempo atmospheric rock with liquid guitar lines and relaxed vocals. Their recent album, Galileo is addicting, and it is nearly impossible to listen to just once through. The guitar leads are very reminiscent of Mark Knopfler’s work on the first few Dire Straits albums, with an incredibly relaxed, yet focused quality. Henning also makes use of masterful syncopated, slightly jazzy tempos. The whole thing oozes sophistication. Highly recommended. Henning: Galileo on Bandcamp Then: Dire Straits – Dire Straits When Dire Straits released …

Now: Kings & Beggars – Rosas Das Rosas I discovered Kings & Beggars on my Bandcamp feed and immediately purchased their two prior albums. Hailing from Ukraine, they play gorgeously rendered early European folk music. The recordings are hypnotic, with dazzling harmonies and all instruments being acoustic. Their brand new album, Rosas Das Rosas, is a stunning achievement. The beauty is truly magical, and the haunting Renaissance melodies are bewilderingly addicting. Kings & Beggars Bandcamp Page Now: Steeleye Span – Below The Salt Steeleye Span are among one of the royal circle of classic English folk rockers, a distinguished club …

Now: Kamasi Washington – Harmony of Difference Kamasi Washington is a  Los Angeles based powerhouse musician who has  been helping to revive avant garde, cosmic/spiritual jazz. He previous album, the sprawling, two and a half hour, aptly titled, The Epic, is a mind blowing melange of jazz, soul, funk, with sprinkles of several other genres that held together by Washington’s sax, and a host of sympathetic arrangements and players. Alice Coltrane and Pharoh Sanders are clear inspirations. His current release, labeled as an EP, Harmony in Difference, should be considered not so much a follow up, but a strong, and …

Now: Mark Lanegan – Gargoyle Seattle legend Mark Lanegan first career, as lead singer of the overlooked Screaming Trees, would have been enough for most. Their last few studio albums helped define the 90’s alternative sound along with Soundgarden, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Mother Love Bone. Lanegan’s solo career began with a string of outstanding psychedelic folk albums, and then interestingly, he slowly but surely began incorporating electronica, and heavy rhythms, but still maintaining his signature dark, folky feel. Gargoyle, his latest, builds on a string of stunning albums dating back to 2012 that use electronics as a foundation. Blues …

Now: Kacy & Clayton – The Siren’s Song The duo of Kacy & Clayton just released their 3rd album, The Siren’s Song, produced by Jeff Tweedy, and it a stunning work, even considering their first two releases, which were brilliant. The Canadian duo mines classic folk rock, but with a highly original focus. At times one can hear Beatleseque melodies, a bit of Fairport Convention, and even The Strawbs. It is an intoxicating stew, and Kacy’s sultry voice is a sound for sore eyes. The incredibly tasteful arrangements and guitar leads fit to together like a perfect puzzle. Bandcamp Download Then: Ian & Sylvia – …

Now: Mark McDowell – Dark Weave Bristol, U.K. based Mark McDowell casts a troubadour’s spell with his amazing use of psychedelia, sunshine pop, baroque elements, all mixed with a thoroughly modern vibe. His latest release, Dark Weave, is entrancing, and as a matter of fact, his entire discography, available on Bandcamp, is highly recommended. He has a series of EPs that are very engaging, and bring to mind a traveling minstrel with a fuzz box.  Add a dose of cinematic touches, like string flourishes, and you have seriously addicting ear candy.  There is also an element of spacey, early Pink Floyd …