May/June

In the world of conceptual newsletters, we at Luaka Bop have been pushing the envelope, perhaps to the point of obscuring the shiny facts we are so eager to convey to you, our dear fans. For instance, some of you may not have gleaned that Jim White has released another album that has become a significant chapter in the storied singer-songwriter's colorful career.  TRANSNORMAL SKIPEROO is an alt-country album centered on heart-stinging tales of spiritual earthquakes.

And, since this is Jim White, the guy most-likely-to-do-the-unexpected, there is a strong undercurrent of happiness and satisfaction. The threads of tumult that often braid his stories are a bit finer this time around.  This celebration of the pretty parts of life has become as beguiling to fans and critics as his tales of tortured souls on the verge of collapse.  Not only is the shift in tone on this album notable, so is the live show that Jim has put together in support of it. He's got a great band with him and the good folks at The Great American Music Hall in San Fran said Jim's was one of the best performances they've seen on that hallowed stage.

Click Here to Stream "A Town Called Amen" from Transnormal Skiperoo

Jim hits the road again this month.  Be sure and catch him at one of these soon-to-be-acclaimed shows:

You may know Jim's music, but have you heard him tell a story? Check out his tales from the road in these clips:

In the continuing and almost complete story of the +2's, the long awaited third installment, FUTURISMO, from the best band in Brazil (Moreno Veloso, Domenico Lancelotti and Alexandre Kassin) hit U.S. stores on May 13th.  If you are in search of the perfect album for summer 2008, look no further than Futurismo. Pitchfork agrees, calling it traditional and outré, music meant for lounging on the beach, reclining with a drink, hitting the dance floor, and scaring the neighbors all wrapped in one.

Another perfect summer record is just that-- a record! Here's the story: One of the most monumental moments in Luaka Bop's history was the release of album número um, Beleza Tropical, 20 years ago. When it hit store shelves, critics and fans flipped over the groundbreaking and insightful survey it offered of the Tropicalia scene. Not only did it launch the label, but the Brazil Classics series was born.  Now SEVEN editions in with this year's release of WHAT'S HAPPENING IN PERNAMBUCO, we decided what better way to celebrate our Platinum anniversary than with some limited edition vinyl?!?  BRAZIL CLASSICS AT 20: ANTI-AGING SOLUTIONS REVEALED demonstrates how this kind of cool never goes out of style.  These precious platters contain key tracks from each of the albums that have served as introductions to everything from samba to forro.  Or check out each of the carefully curated CD's individually for the full tutorial offered in the charming and informative liner notes.  Any way you choose to experience it, the Brazil Classics Series is a watershed development in the way we think about music.
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Januarius, 2008

You know, fireworks bought at roadside stands are one of our long-standing favorite incandescents, but solar powered garden lanterns run a close second in the Luaka Bop List of Alternative Light Sources. Adding to that list, our New Year’s gifts to ourselves are custom neon versions of all the new release album covers.  Since not everyone will be purchasing the beautifully packaged CD's we'll be bringing you in 2008, we'll be soaking up more of their brilliance to make up for what everyone else who downloads them is missing.  It's environmentally safe neon, of course, and we'll get used to the beaming brightness eventually.  The first one to be hung on the wall is actually a 2007 release, the incredibly energetic MUTANTES Live at The Barbican double-CD. This vibrant live recording doesn't even have to be plugged-in.  It just shines on its own. Check out videos from that concert on the album page, right next to the full stream of the album. Or click here to buy it on AMAZON.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN PERNAMBUCO The word neon comes from the Greek "neos-" meaning the new gas, and the compilation What's Happening in Pernambuco: New Sounds of the Brazilian Northeast is the newest gas in our lamp tubes.  In fact, the tracks on this album are so hot, the neon version of the album cover radiates the same pyretic energy as your favorite dance party (we're looking at you Studio B and 205).  Pernambuco was once known as a stagnant state as far as its economy and culture, but trailblazers like Chico Science and Nacao Zumbi brought it back from the brink.  Check out the rock festival held there annually for the last 10 years:  Abril Pro Rock not only invites the best and brightest from Brazil, but has also brought indie strongholds like Stephen Malkmus and John Spencer to its native audience.  The concert's organizer, Paulo Andre, curated this compilation, and he's not a dim bulb.

JIM WHITE Businesses across America have displayed the trademarked signs in their windows since they became popular after Georges Claude's company sold the first two to a Packard dealership in 1923.  Bars area prime locus to see these sorts of signs, so we hope having so manyof them in our workspace doesn't summon beer-seeking patrons.  If they do happen by, amiss in their pursuit of something to soothe their weary souls, we'll park them in front of the cover of Transnormal Skiperoo by Jim White.  Jim's newfound contentment with his life and the world will radiate on the seeker, filling them with more hopefulness than a Scandinavian S.A.D. light ever could.  It may be warmer than his previous albums, but there are still cautionary tales of madness and world weariness in Jim's sweet and wry lyrics.

Jim will play a few gigs in NYC before the album comes out on March 4th.  More tour dates to come for the West coast soon soon soon!  Visit Jim's Myspace page for more scoop...

MORENO DOMENICO KASSIN +2   Sometimes neon has a tendency to burn out or flicker, but that will never be the case with the Kassin +2 album cover. It is totally smooth burning.  Listening to their new album 'Futurismo,' it's easy to appreciate the reliable nature of their music, as it always sounds fresh and innovative.  Even though The +2's rotate out of lead position, Moreno Domenico and Kassin have sustained an attitude of cool from album to album. Look for the new album on Luaka Bop May 13th.

Stay tuned for more Luaka Bop illuminations in 2008!
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