Trini Lopez at PJ's [LP] [VINYL]

Unknown Mortal Orchestra came to life in basements and bedrooms, the musical vision of Portlander-via-New Zealand Ruban Nielson that fused guitar-god riffs, choppy percussion, soul and funk. II, the sophomore album from UMO, emerged in an era rampant hedonism and isolationism and became the blueprint for everything Nielson has become renowned for. It was, and is, the solidification of Unknown Mortal Orchestra as an endlessly intriguing, brave and addictive band. Ten years on, it's back with an expanded edition.Written during a punishing, debauched touring schedule during which Nielson feared for both his sanity and health, II illustrates the emotional turmoil of life on the road, painting surrealist, cartoonish portraits of loneliness, love and despair. These conflicting themes are evident immediately; on the album's sleeve is an unnerving image of Janet Farrar, the famous British witch, Wiccan, author and teacher of witchcraft. The chilling refrain of opener "Into The Sun" sees Nielson deliver the line "Isolation can put a gun in your hand," softly, his words starkly intelligible above a warm, slow-burning melody that quickly brands itself onto your brain. His playful imagery ("I'm so lonely I've gotta eat my popcorn all alone") mirrors the melody, before a solo that borders on psychotropic ends II's introduction. UMO is unafraid to dig deeper than the rest, their intoxicating, opiate groove bringing rock'n'roll's exaggerated myths to life. And as it unfolds, II does find Nielson reenergized. "One At A Time" and "Faded In The Morning" boast dizzying choruses and instrumentals; these crusty hunks could have been excavated from a lost 1960s treasure trove. "Monki" unravels over seven minutes like the yarn from a stoner's cardigan with an eye-frying pattern. "Dawn" is a minute of disconcerting noise that stands out between the nooks and crannies of the choruses, guitar

Spanning over two decades, this new Greatest Hits collection highlights Finger Eleven's diverse range with fan favorites, including multi-platinum hit "Paralyzer" and Juno-nominated "One Thing," plus chart-toppers like "Falling On" and "Living in a Dream." As a bonus, the 12-track set also offers a previously unreleased cover of Pink Floyd's "Welcome to the Machine" (a longtime live staple) as well as the brand-new single "Together Right." Album Tracks DISC 1 1. Good Times 2. Paralyzer 3. Together Right 4. Living in a Dream 5. I'll Keep Your Memory Vague 6. One Thing DISC 2 1. Above 2. First Time 3. Falling on 4. Slow Chemical 5. Drag You Down 6. Welcome to the Machine