Every Friday, 88Nine music director Erin Wolf and Lilliput Records co-owner Tanner Musgrove tell you about the new albums you can’t miss on a new episode of On Vinyl. Check out their top picks and a list of this week’s other releases, and listen to their full conversation using the player on this page or on the 88Nine airwaves at 1 p.m. every Friday.
This Friday, as we wind down closer to the end of the year, vinyl release lists are starting to look more and more scraggly. However, this week has a couple really bright spots.
There’s the long-awaited vinyl version of Dijon’s excellent new album, a couple 20-year-anniversary certified bangers (literally, from dance-punkers Bloc Party and a more understated banger from Imogen Heap) and — to round out things with some intrigue — a dreamy, modern psychedelic prog gem from Magic Fig to drift off with.
Like we said, things may be scraggly, but they’re definitely shiny. Find your newest jams and gems at your fave local record shop, as always. Happy New Music Friday!
Best new albums out Nov. 21
Dijon, Baby (physical release)
With this being Dijon’s second album, we expected there would be more fanfare around its release. But this one had no lead-up singles — likely because domestic life and new fatherhood took over — and was generally a bit of a surprise release back in mid-August.
That whirlwind element means the vinyl is just now coming out, three months later. The digital version already sounds great, so this one will sound extra special on wax with production from Andrew Sarlo and contributions from BJ Burton, Tobias Jesso Jr. and Mk.gee, among others.
Vinyl options are classic black as well as a slew of unique options from various retailers, including a clear, a brown, and a gray (or “silver”) version, which you can find on Warner Records.
Bloc Party, Silent Alarm (20th anniversary edition)
When this album came out in 2005, it felt like a breath of fresh air in the dance-punk scene. It’s hard to believe that it’s 20 years old, as it still feels fresh to this day, keeping the sounds of bands like Gang of Four, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Interpol, The Beta Band and TV On the Radio strong.
The 20th anniversary edition via PIAS Recordings features the original album on two white vinyl LPs. For the superfan, there’s the definitive deluxe edition, which includes two additional LPs featuring rare demos, B-sides and live session recordings, along with a 24-page booklet filled with never-before-seen personal photos of the band and exclusive liner notes, including a foreword by producer Paul Epworth.
Imogen Heap, Speak for Yourself (20th anniversary edition)
The English songwriter Imogen Heap is reissuing her second studio album, Speak For Yourself, which was written, produced, recorded and mixed entirely by Heap herself. This is the 20th anniversary edition of the album and the first time we’ve seen it as a wide release in the U.S., though there have been a handful of U.K. editions.
In late 2024, her song “Headlock” had a reemergence on TikTok, and since then Heap has seen a whole new generation of fans really connect with this album. For those looking to get their hands on a vinyl copy of this edition, there will be a 180 gram 45-RPM double black vinyl available at your local record shop from Megaphonic Records.
Magic Fig, Valerian Tea
Although San Francisco-based band Magic Fig have released their debut self-titled album just now, in many ways, it feels not of this time. Leaning into the sound of ’60s and ’70s prog rock, this record feels very fantastical, like we’re entering a realm created solely by Magic Fig.
If you’re a fan of Slumberland band The Umbrellas, note that it might be worth checking out Magic Fig, as there’s some member crossover. You can find the new album on “pink flume” vinyl at an indie record store near you via Exploding In Sound Records
More of our picks
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