It’s been a great year for Louisville music. We’d like to share that wealth and urge you to think outside the box this holiday season. With the help of Travis Searle and Lisa Foster of Guestroom Records, Sean Liter from Modern Cult Records, and Randall Bolton at Better Days Records, we’ve selected 12 Louisville records that will make the perfect gift for music lovers and vinyl enthusiasts. Take a peek, there’s something for everyone!
1. “White Reaper Does It Again”, White Reaper
The tongue-in-cheek debut album was released back in July, a week before they rocked the stage at Forecastle. Randall Bolton says the album is “off the hook” and I think we can all agree. The young angst sound is catchy and kick ass. I own this record, but I wouldn’t be mad if someone gave it to me again. Gift this to someone into The Dickies, King Tuff, or Twin Peak.
2. “Over and Even +3”, Joan Shelley
“If I could pick a happy, folky record this would be it,” according to Lisa Foster. Shelley’s sweet vocals and old-timey country meets 60s folk sound is sure to be hit with anyone also listening to The Weepies, The Civil Wars, Nick Drake, or Chris Staples.
3. “Fantasy Error”, State Champion
A remarkable DIY album recorded at what was once Paul Oldham’s Rove studio; alternative with undertones of country styles. Get this album for anyone who likes Spider Bags, Lydia Loveless, or Diarrhea Planet.
4. Little Neon Light”, Houndmouth
The Americana group gave us their sophomore album this past March and blew the Forecastle stage away with their sweet set and bell bottoms. “We still rock that record every day,” says Bolton. Buy this record for someone into The Apache Relay, Alabama Shakes, The Lone Bellow, or Shovels and Rope.
5. “Sun and Moon”, New Bravado
New Bravado’s debut album released on Gubbey Records in October. It's a fresh take on sex, drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll; lots of fuzz and loud guitars. Gift this record for someone into Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, or The Smashing Pumpkins.
6. “UFO Rot”, Tropical Trash
“I hate to call it grungy,” says Travis Searle owner of Guestroom Records, “but it is aggressive—a solid punk record.” Pick this up for anyone into Red Hot Chili Peppers, Discount Guns, or Nirvana.
7. Howell Dawdy, Lydia Burrell 7’’ Split
One Alex Smith, two musical endeavors and one record. The split has the comical entertainer, Howell Dawdy’s, “What Do You Mean?” and the electronic indie pop Lydia Burrell’s, “Fool’s Moon.” It was the first record released on This Man Records. Get this for anyone.
8. “Phase III”, Seluah
Sean Liter’s pick from Modern Cult Records is this hypnotic record. Recorded with Kevin Ratterman, this album is packing haunting vocals, dark visuals, and sinister guitars. Get this for someone into Old Baby, Arctic Monkeys, or Jim James.
9. “Nothing/Everything”, Andrew Rinehart
This veteran to the Louisville scene released this folk album a month ago. He recorded the album with Kevin Ratterman. The record “crosses a lot of musical genres from ambient folk song to rock song,” according to Bolton. A good record for someone into Thurston Moore, Pixies, or the Breeders.
10. “Zoetic”, Kaleidico
“I’m a big fan,” says Bolton. An electronic indie pop sound that is beautifully constructed a mature. Get this for someone who likes Tame Impala, The Postal Service, Radiohead, or The Black Ghosts.
11. “The Clearing”, Rachel Grimes
Pianist, composer, arranger, and former member of Rachel’s, released this post-classical record back in May. According to Travis Searle (Guestroom), “It’s like this beautiful soundtrack to a horror film. It’s stunning.” A good pick for someone into: Sylvain Chauveau, Hauschka, or Goldmund.
12.“Don’t Let Your Meatloaf”, Wilder Stallions
An instrumental group that sounds like, “early 70s Alan Parsons, but not quite jam band, “says Randall Bolton. A good record for someone into jazz an funk.
BONUS:
“Quiet Hollers”, Quiet Hollers
“Anything Is Possible And Nothing Makes Sense”, Twin Limb
"Head Cleaner-A Louisville Music Compilation Vol. 7,9,10,11 & 12", Gubbey Records
“Wolvering”, Maiden Radio
“Evil” EP, Graffiti
“Obedience”, Anwar Sadat
All Photos by Michelle Eigenheer and Katie Molck
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