I haven't made a Trip Through New Arrivals post in a while, so consider this it. I'm multi-tasking by folding the next batch of Featured Titles into the mix as well as listing what vinyl should be arriving tomorrow afternoon. I'll start with the new CD arrivals that caught my eye today:

Nobukazu Takemura - 10th (Japan, Electronic, 2003)
“Using a computer like a DJ uses a turntable, Nobukazu Takemura samples instruments from piano to vibraphone, and adds bouncy beats and even "speech-synthe" vocals to create a retro-futuristic playland. On 10th, Takemura focuses on bright and playful sound collages that bear resemblance to the vibe of Air, the style of Tortoise, and Mouse on Mars' use of instruments as opposed to computer-generated sounds. the album is always fantastical and innocent, a meeting of magic and technology.” - AllMusic Guide (4 stars out of 5)

Amadou et Mariam – Tje N Mousso (Mali, Afro-Pop / World, 2000)
“Vintage organ, horns, and funk backbeats give this Malian husband and wife's second U.S. release a different feel than their stateside debut. Still, it's Amadou's slithering guitar leads and Mariam's soaring voice that all but steal the show from the couple's wildly talented band. This is a world music album in the most expansive of senses, proving just how easily a soulful combination of rhythm and notes can communicate across such meager divides as culture, politics, blindness, and language. Highly recommended.” -- AllMusic (4.5 out of 5)

The Format - Dog Problems (USA, Capital P Pop, 2006)
“Hands-down the feel-good album of the summer ... the heartache-induced lyrics of sarcasm and bitterness are in direct contrast to the sonic warmth emanating from every note-filled corner … songs that incorporate a wide range of instruments, tones, and occasionally, full-on orchestrations … glows from beginning to end. It's like the music just can't help being fun and catchy, even if for some reason it didn't want to … likable pop music that is entertaining and smart. ” - AllMusic (4.5 out of 5)

The Robert Cray Band - Bad Influence (USA, Blues, 1993)
“One of Robert Cray's best albums, and the one that etched him into the consciousness of blues aficionados prior to his mainstream explosion. Produced beautifully by Bruce Bromberg and Dennis Walker, the set sports some gorgeous originals and two well-chosen covers. Few albums portend greatness the way this one did. ” - AllMusic (5 out of 5)

Palace Brothers – s/t (Kentucky, USA, Folk, Indie, Americana, 1994)
“The emotional power of these performances is as eloquent as anyone could hope for. Days in the Wake is the simplest work in the Palace canon, and among the very best.” - AllMusic (4.5 out of 5)

Note that this is an early issue of this CD. It has since been re-released as Will Oldham - Days In the Wake. It is therefore no longer available in this packaging (though the cover photo hasn’t changed). Yes, owning this version will make you appear to have been hip much longer than you actually have.

Twenty Miles - I’m A Lucky Guy (USA, Blues / Rock, 1998)
Though AllMusic gives this album 4 stars outta 5, I couldn’t find any written reviews of this CD online. I’ll say that it’s a laid-back bluesy rock album by Judah Bauer (guitarist of Jon Spencer Blues Explosion) and his drummer brother Donovan. If you like laid-back bluesy rock, ask the staff to throw this on so that you can judge it for yourself.

Madlib - Shades of Blue (USA, Fusion, Soul Jazz, Jazz-Funk, 2003)
“Madlib received a rare opportunity with unfettered access to the storied Blue Note archives and permission to use them as he wished for a remix/interpretation album released on Blue Note itself … he doesn't just sample the tracks as much as fit them into his own sound … for smooth subconscious grooves, it's perfect. ” - AllMusic (4 out of 5)

James Blackshaw - All Is Falling (Britain, Folk, Classical, Ambient, 2010)
“Blissful listening.”- The Skinny

“A breathtaking maelstrom of string-swept virtuosity.” - SPIN

“James Blackshaw isn't even 30 years old yet, but he's built himself, through a combination of otherworldly instrumental skill on the guitar and a highly developed sensibility for modern composition, into a renowned figure in the space between folk, classical music, minimalism, and experimentalism.” - Pitchfork (7.8 out of 10)

Note that this CD is new and priced as such. We have it on vinyl as well.

So, those are being added to the Featured Titles wall. Here's some other items of interest, many that don't need my assistance in getting them out the door:

Pavement - Numerous CD Singles
Someone brought in a HEAP of Pavement CD singles today--anywhere from 2 to 6 tracks.

The Robert Cray Band - Who's Been Talkin'
Blue Mitchell - Big 6
Do Make Say Think - s/t
Various Artists - Atlantic Rhythm and Blues - 1947 - 1974 (eight volumes)
Thad Jones - Consummation
Soft Machine - Third, Fourth, and Seven
Clarke-Boland Big Band - All Smiles and More Smiles
Wanda Jackson - The Ultimate Collection (2cd)
Caetano Veloso - Araca Azul
Esquerita - Sock It to Me Baby
Cornelius - Point
Various Artists - In Yo' Face - History of Funk (Vols 2 and 5)
Sonny Rollins - What's New
Otis Rush - Double Trouble

Rhino Best ofs for:

The Marcels
The Cleftones
Little Anthony and the Imperials
The Chantels
The Crests

And I expect a box tomorrow with the following new (as in sealed) items:

Marissa Nadler - Songs III and Little Hells (the latter on CD and vinyl)
X - Under the Big Black Sun (vinyl)
Lee Fields - My World (vinyl)
Bob Marley - Legend, Exodus, Catch a Fire (all vinyl)

I'm still waiting on boxes of Daptone records (including the new Budos) and the Marissa Nadler Vortex exclusive. I'll post when they arrive.