Slow Boat Records

Hola!
Suddenly, a whole rash of new releases upon us – not least of which is the new album from Bob Dylan, entitled “Tempest” – hailed in some quarters as his best since “Time Out Of Mind”. On a not entirely dissimilar tip, we have Bill Fay‘s “Life Is People” – his first album proper in 40 years, following up the excellent self-titled debut and classic second album, “Time Of The Last Persecution”. There is the new Cat Power album, “Sun” – an altogether cheerier effort than he usual fare, and also a whole swag of new and reissued LPs of a faintly electronic nature from EMI - Radiohead, Depeche Mode, LCD Soundsystem, Daft Punk, Massive Attack and more – and all at cheaper prices than they have previously been available at.

We also have new vinyl reissues from NZ faves Bilders, The Dead C and (finally!) The Pin Group‘s “Ambivalence” – oh, and the Flying Nun compilation “Time To Go” is back in, along with David Kilgour‘s “Here Come The Cars” and The Clean‘s “Oddities” 2LP – bonza!

On a less cheery note, we have been advised by the good folks at Under The Radar that shows by Sunn O))) and Pelican have been cancelled, and if you have bought tickets, you will need to contact UTRs support desk to arrange a refund by bank transfer – www.undertheradar.co.nz/support

Choice one, keep safe everyone!

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Howdy, all – through the worst of winter, days getting longer, and a whole lot of great music getting unleashed to you, the ravenous, music-loving public…
We’re pretty keen, for instance, on the new Bailterspace album “Strobosphere” – I mean, it’s only been 13 years since their last full-lenghter, “Solar 3″. Vinyl AND CD, just so you know…

Also here now on vinyl are the LP and 3 x 7″ formats of the new Opossum album “Electric Hawaii” – the 7″ pack is numbered, and limited, FYI, so you know the drill.

We have vinyl now of Light In The Attic’s superb “Country Funk 1969-1975″ compilation, which I am seriously thinking about declaring album of the year, even though it’s only August, and music made thirty five years ago – really great – give it a go, you might be pleasantly surprised.

There is also a Fleetwood Mac tribute album called “Just Tell Me That You Want Me”, featuring fine interpretations of classic Mac-tracks from the likes of Lykke Li, Karen Elson, Best Coast, Bonnie Prince Billy, MGMT and more – fun times. We also have restocks of the two, superb Rodriguez albums “Cold Fact” and “Coming From Reality”, as well as the soundtrack to the film “Searching For Sugar Man” that has sparked all this interest.

Also – new albums from “hip and trendy” types Yeasayer and Dirty Projectors  – “Fragrant World” and “Swing Lo Magellan”, respectively…

And – some awesome plans a-brewing at the moment – we’ll let you know when they firm up…

You dig?

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Well, o well – we have been blessed with a generous mid-Winter haul of glorious new and reissue LPs – just to help you make it through the chilly season.
Not least of which are the Blur reissues – all the individual LPs on double vinyl, remastered, and with downloads. The individual CD albums with extra tracks on a bonus disc of B-sides and outtakes. And, then, of course the big bad box sets – the vinyl one (very limited, all 7 albums) and the CD/DVD set – 18 CDs, 3 DVDs and a 7″. Good heavens! What a magnificent catalogue of songs – the best British group since The Smiths?!

Also impressing as of late are The Eversons superb debut “Summer Feeling”, on lurid pale green vinyl from the good folks at Lil Chief. A bold collection of songs, great singing, hilarious lyrics. Buy it now so you can say “I’ve been into them for ages, actually” when they ‘go imperial’… The other candidate for album of the year for me so far would have to be Lawrence Arabia‘s “The Sparrow”. A dark, uncompromising suite of songs that really does grow on you over time, and we have limited copies of the limited vinyl for a limited time, etc. It comes with a CD of the album, too. And the strings and horns-enabled show at the Wellington Opera House was really quite terrific.

We also got our hands on some copies of the reissue of David Kilgour’s dynamite debut LP “Here Come The Cars” – a light, airy collection of sweet, melodic songs that are guaranteed to warm the air they float through. Or – how’s about more copies of Flying Nun‘s “Time To Go” 2LP compilation of predominantly Christchurch southern psychedelic sounds – tres magnifique! Plus – just arrived – a 2LP, gatefold sleeve reissue of The Clean‘s “Oddities”. We also got a few stray copies of Paul & Linda McCartney‘s magnificent, and underrated “Ram” – the big kahuna 2LP set, plus the very limited mono issue. You snooze, you lose, you know the drill…

On CD at the moment, we are digging on Light In The Attic‘s awesome “Country Funk 1969-1975″. Funky country – who’da thunken it could be so much fun?! And yes, we should have vinyl soon…
We are also loving, still, Rodriguez’ socially-aware, funky folk-pop opus “Cold Fact”, as well as the underrated follow-up “Coming From Reality” – and the film about him, “Searching For Sugar Man” looks to be a bit of a highlight of the soon-come International Film Festival…

And – we are planning some more in-store action that will be totally bangin’ – watch this space!

Take care, keep warm, drive safe – come see us sometime.

The Slow Boat Crew X

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The shortest day of the year today – hoorah! Theoretically, at least, it means the weather will start improving and the days will get linger and lighter.

The middle of the year does, however, seem to be the time when lots of good music comes out – even if, to these ears, anyhow, much of it is reissues!

Take, for example the new remaster of Paul & Linda McCartney‘s much maligned 1971 release “Ram” – suddenly, in 2012, it sounds like an absolute oddball pop-rock gem, especially now that it comes with an extra disc of extras and rarities. We even got a couple of the very limited, numbered mono LP remasters – all gone now, but doing our level best to get some more…

Also new out are the My Bloody Valentine remasters – 6 years in the making – we have “Loveless” – “Isn’t Anything” and the “EPs”  sets are on the way…

Also new out now are brand spanking new efforts from old warriors Neil Young & Crazy Horse, The Beach Boys and, my pick of the bunch, Patti Smith‘s “Banga”, which, from a cursory listen sounds like a doozie. On the new/new front, liking the rockin’ sound of the new Richard Hawley album, “Standing At The Sky’s Edge”, Frames/”Once” singer Glen Hansard‘s “Rhythm & Repose”, Brooklyn hipster-y types Liars with the unpronounceable, but kinda intriguing “WIXIW” , or how’s about new albums from Boat faves Sun Kil Moon (“Among The Leaves”) and, early leader for my album of the year, the exquisitely beautiful solo debut, “Mid Air”, from Blue Nile singer Paul Buchanan.

The other really exciting piece of news is that we have brand, spankin’ new listening turntables instore – no more listening through only one channel, above a roaring earth-hum! Come check ‘em out!

We also have a whole new batch of tee shirts – some really cool Warners label tees - Atlantic, Elektra. Tres stylish. Tres swanky!

All that, plus our usual mass of pre-loved vinyl, new stuff going out every day – and, if there’s something in particular you are looking for – why not ask us, or give us your wants list? That way, we can be sure and let you know when something you crave finally turns up!

Hope to see you soon, stay warm! X

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News just to hand that Brooklyn, NY five piece Grizzly Bear are to play two NZ dates in November – Wellington’s Opera House on the 20th, and Auckland’s Bruce Mason Theatre on the 21st.

Tickets will go on sale soon – we will let you know…

Also – Ride‘s Mark Gardener will play three solo dates here in August -Wgtn/ Akld/Chch, 9-10-11 August – tickets on sale tomorrow (Thursday)!

Huzzah!!!

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Howdy, everyone – welcome to May 2012!

Firstly, can we offer a hearty Slow Boat thanks to everyone who made Record Store Day 2012 at Slow Boat the best yet! So many visitors, both regulars and newbies, sharing the loved up RSD vibes – thank you all, it really means a lot to have your ongoing support. Instore performances from Dictaphone Blues and The Eversons were utterly joyful, especially with both groups surfing the waves of critical adulation following recently released albums – the DB’s sophomore effort  ”Beneath The Chrystal Palace”, and the Ev’s excellent debut “Summer Feeling”. Both are instore now, wildly recommended by us, and we should have more Eversons vinyl very soon. Would also like to thank our suppliers atUniversal Music, EMI, Southbound and Rhythmmethod for the exclusive RSD limited releases (we still have a wee few things left!), and to congratulate Lib Edmonds, Paul Johnson and Morgan Weir on winning our prize draws. Cheers, everyone!

Time flying, weather getting cooler – perfect time to come have a look at some new music! And what a feast of new stuff there is for you to hear - new releases from Dr John, Rocket Juice & The Moon (aka Damon Albarn, Flea, Tony Allen), Father John Misty (J Tillman from Fleet Foxes), individual remastered LP reissues of all The Smiths albums, Jack White‘s solo debut, “Blunderbuss” (vinyl soon come!), new Spiritualized…

AND – we have not one but TWO new instalments of our (very) sporadic Slow Boat Inquisition for your perusal, featuring incisive answers to ten probing questions from local legend Robert Scott of The Clean and The Bats fame here - http://slowboatrecords.co.nz/the-slow-boat-inquisition/robert-scott/

…and from one of our favourite recent customers; Martin Freeman, a man of taste and discernment, one of the stars of one of the greatest TV shows, um, ever as Tim Canterbury in The Office, and currently in NZ in his role as Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit, here - http://slowboatrecords.co.nz/the-slow-boat-inquisition/martin-freeman-april-2011/

SO much great stuff around at the moment, including more brand spanking new and reissue vinyl than we have ever had instore before!

But don’t take our word for it, why don’t come see for yourself?!
Hope everyone is fighting fit and feeling alright – catch you soon!!

Love on ya, The Slow Boat Crew X

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THE BLACK KEYS return to New Zealand… to unlock their magic

The rapturous reviews of their latest album ‘El Camino’ are all in, Coachella has been headlined, Grammys have been collected, Madison Square Garden sold out in 15 minutes and it now seems perfectly clear.

The BLACK KEYS are the biggest rock band on the planet right now. No stadium can hold ‘em, but Vector Arena and The TSB Bank Arenawill try their level best in November.

It’s a long way from their modest beginnings as a garage rock band in Akron, Ohio in 2001 but here they are, seven albums later, making the jump to hyperspace.  Selling out festivals and arenas and shifting huge amounts of what used to be called ‘units’, all while keeping their musical integrity firmly intact.

The breakthrough came in 2010 upon the release of their sixth album ‘Brothers’.   Steeped in the turmoil of broken marriages and busted friendships, its instantly iconic cover alone was enough to warrant a place in the pantheon of classic rock albums, but it was the music therein that became a statement of intent and a signpost of what was to come.  The band’s 21st century white boy blues was further expanded on their critically lauded late-2011 album ‘El Camino’, which became an instant commercial hit.  Thus far 2012 has been a year of highs for the band – most recently they co-headlined the Coachella festival with Radiohead, Dr Dre & Snoop Dogg.

To say that their return to New Zealand is highly anticipated is a vast understatement.  We haven’t seen them for a few years and some of the grit of their early albums has been replaced by a more glam sensibility, but not much else has changed.  It’s still the unassuming duo of Dan (Auerbach – vocals/guitar) and Patrick (Carney – drums) playing like they did in the clubs and bars of Akron, albeit this time with the mother of all light shows.

Don’t miss this rare chance to see a band at the top of their game.


Saturday 3rd November – Auckland – Vector Arena
Monday 5th November – Wellington – TSB Bank Arena

TICKETS ON SALE NOW
AUCKLAND – TICKETMASTER. GO TO http://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/The-Black-Keys-tickets/artist/847164
WELLINGTON – TICKETEK. GO TO http://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=BLACKKEY12

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Well, Lordie – nearly upon us again is Record Store Day 2012!!!

We were a little concerned when we found out there was an export ban on many of the limited edition releases for the day, so we flew into action to ensure that it would not go unmarked – turns out we’ll be getting SOME titles after all – you’ll have to come and see which! We have also done a HUGE US vinyl order – really quite splendid stuff, which will all be out in the store for Saturday – huzzah!

AND – we’ll have Dictaphone Blues playing us some tunes from their excellent new album “Beneath The Chrystal Palace”, after their gig at Mighty Mighty the evening before, at around 1.30pm. And THEN – local indie pop types The Eversons will be bringing us some tunes from their sparkling new album “Summer Feeling” – and – we will have limited vinyl copies on sale exclusively!!!

And as if that wasn’t enough, we will have raffles and prize draws throughout the day. It’s “our” day, sure – but it’s your day, too – you, the people who make the store something special with your passion for music that is just a little out of the ordinary.

Also – I will be playing tracks from the above albums on National Radio 9 to Noon with Kathryn Ryan, at around 11am this Friday the 2oth April – a bit of a Record Store Day at Slow Boat special, if you will.

Facebook invite here: https://www.facebook.com/events/320528278012977/

And will be updating Twitter with info up to and during the day: https://twitter.com/#!/SlowBoatRecords

Look forward to seeing you here – choice one!

xx Slow Boat Crew xx

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Well, another month already, and lots of exciting stuff on the horizon – we will, as ever, be celebrating Record Store Day on the 21st, and are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting instore performances from a couple of smart, literate, indie guitar bands – Wellington’s The Eversons, promoting and previewing their brand new album through Little Chief, and Auckland power poppers Dictaphone Blues  - watch this space for more details as the day draws nearer.

As regards the hugely impressive list of RSD exclusive releases, we are doing all we can, but have hit a bit of a snag with the fall of our US import company – will let you know how we fare. What we can  assure you is that we will have a huge assortment of quality music available, as ever, and with the NZ dollar in pretty good shape at the moment, prices are excellent. Loads of great stuff instore even now, including the Mark Lanegan Band‘s “Blues Funeral” (lovely dark green vinyl!), the Magnetic Fields newie, “Love At The Bottom Of The Sea”, soon-come visitor Justin Townes Earle‘s “Nothing’s Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me Now”, The Shins “Port Of Morrow”, Iron Maiden‘s “En Vivo!”, Michael Kiwanuka‘s wonderful debut “Home Again”, the Grinderman 2 remix album, and Lambchop‘s first in a while – “Mr M”.

Hope to see you all soon – for Record Store Day, or before, or after!!!

The Slow Boat Crew

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Well, here we are, 2012, February already, and the NZ International Arts Festival already in full swing – Bon Iver quite magnificent at the Town Hall the past couple of nights – a spectacular amalgam of country, folk, jazz and electronics. Quite special – and we are commemorating their visit with a big old bin full of BI LPs and CDs on the counter, at a special Slow Boat price.

Also really looking forward to shows from Death Cab For Cutie, Tinariwen and First Aid Kit, whose “The Lion’s Roar” debut is really quite lovely, and is clocking up quite a few plays on the house system.

And some great new release music already in 2012 – Leonard Cohen‘s “Old Ideas” is a cracking listen, better than anyone could reasonably expect in 2012, and the Mark Lanegan Band album “Blues Funeral” is almost predictably excellent – another ‘Boat fave, and heartily recommended. Paul McCartney‘s curiously titled “Kisses On The Bottom” is a sweet, sentimental collection of old-timey songs sung Macca-styles in his still-quite-lovely voice, and we also have renewed vinyl stocks of Pink Floyd‘s “Dark Side Of The Moon” and “Wish You Were Here” – “The Wall” remaster soon come, we are assured. Let us know if you’d like us to reserve you a copy of any of these, as they are limited and likely to sell out.

And, as this year will also bring new music from Bruce Springsteen, Justin Townes Earle, Lambchop, Dirty Three and, um, Iron Maiden, we’re picking it will be a good ‘un.

All the best for the year ahead, hope to see you all soon!
The Slow Boat Crew

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