If you were a customer at Vortex back during my first few weeks, I probably played Scott Walker at you. My first solo shift--my 4th shift overall--was a Saturday night and we happened to have two copies of the Scott Walker box set in stock. I played the hell out of that thing.

Today I found out that Charlie Parker Was a Gunslinger has audio of two episodes of Walker's short-lived (six episodes) "variety" show, Scott, which failed to impress in 1968. The site's got a nice write-up for those that don't know much about Walker. If you already know who he is and just want the audio: episode one ("features performances by former Count Basie vocalist, O.C. Smith and then-rising UK songbird Kiki Dee") and episode two (Salena Jones and Blossom Dearie) as mp3s.

In more-store-related news, here's the latest:

1. Yes, we will have the new Joanna Newsom on Tuesday. It's a triple album.

2. Yes, the Miasmah stuff arrived, but just one copy of each on CD. They're out on the floor. We also got a few Type CDs: Grouper and Xela.

3. Yes, the Roll the Dice vinyl arrived. Only one copy. We also got restock on the Animal Hospital 2LP. Limited and numbered and lovely.

4. The following stuff will be coming from Mississippi Records in about a week or so:

- Restock of Clara Rockmore, Reverend Overstreet, Abner Jay, and Fight On, Your Time Ain't Long. Also, we got two more copies of the Breeders 12", which is limited to 1000 copies.

- A 7" of Chin Chin. Who are Chin Chin? Here's what MR says:

From Biel Switzerland, comes this little known group. One of the few all-girl bands (along with Kleenex/Lilliput) to come out of the early 80's Swiss punk scene. Chin Chin definitely considered themselves a punk band. Although their catchy pop vocals and harmonies strongly aligned them with the burgeoning C86 scene. They shared bills with The Shop Assistants, Television Personalities, The Pogues and New Model Army, before the band drifted into obscurity. This 7" was originally released in 1984 on the band's own, Farmer Records. It contains 3 self-penned songs and marks their first and punkest release. Keep your eyes peeled for their full length LP out soon as a split between the Mississippi and Slumberland labels.

- Tom Cora & The Ex - Scrabbling at the Lock:

North American re-issue of a masterpiece of our generation. The perfect blend of angsty punk rock, Eastern European leanings and free improv. Tight rhythms, roaring guitars, smartly political vocals and and the late Tom Cora's amazing cello work.

- A repress of the Dog Faced Hermans' Mental Blocks for All Ages.

We also have coming the Domino Records (a sorta sister label to MR) release: Eris - The Feast of the Appetites of Eris:

Each year, on the Sunday prior to Mardi Gras, a rag tag group of musicians assembles to provide the soundtrack for the progression of the parade of the Krewe of Eris. This past parade, a food based banquet, the sounds of this 62 piece band was captured on cassette and two microphones towering overhead. Brass and percussion working through seven originals and a cover through the streets of New Orleans, with accompaniment of paraders, bottles, sirens, and food. Field recording that sounds just like it sounded. A pressing of 1,000 with an insert and silk screened covers.

- And... another related release: Secret Museum of Mankind Vol.1 - Ethnic Music Classics: 1925-48 2LP:

This series of archival 78 transfers was originally released in 1995 on CD only. Now for the first time on vinyl, a deluxe gate-fold presentation and limited edition pressings. Produced by Hisham Mayet (Sublime Frequencies) in conjunction with Yazoo Records.

"Compiled here are many of the greatest performances of world and ethnic music ever recorded. This volume represents a trip around the world, stopping at each port to sample one of that country's finest recordings of its indigenous music. Each of these recordings was captured at a period during the golden age of recording when traditional styles were at their peak of power and emotion. Included inside are extensive notes and beautiful period photographs that work together with the music to communicate an exciting sense of discovery." "One of the most consistently rewarding world music compilations in years, the cuts range from Macedonian fiddle jaunts to Puerto Rican Christmas tunes, from Abyssinian religious chants to ominous Japanese court music. The instruments include Ukrainian sleigh bells, Sardinian triple pipes, Vietnamese moon lutes and Ethiopian one-string violins...a profound artistry lurks beneath the alien vernaculars." -- Village Voice; Vol. 1 contains music from Nigeria, Sardinia, Russia, Ceylon, Rajahstan, Cuba, Rumania, Vietnam, Macedonia, Morocco, and more.