There’s some new music (or reissues of old music) coming out that are looking good.

• Pitchfork report that there is a Steinski double cd compilation coming out. The first collects together a bunch of his stuff (including collaborations with Double Dee) that is otherwise rather hard to come by. I’ve heard about lots of these tracks but never heard them, in particular I think they were a big influence on Coldcut. The second disc has his “Nothing to Fear” mix, I have a version of this on vinyl but judging from the track listing there’s lots more on the cd.
• The new album by the Silver Jews is due out next month, called Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea. To put it simply the Silver Jews are one of the best bands ever. When they first gained attention they looked to be something of a Pavement side-project (due to the involvement of Stephen Malkmus, Bob Natanovich and Steve West), but it was David Berman who was the driving force, and while I still love Pavement, and SM’s solo stuff as well, the Silver Jews have moved up to be one of my favourite bands, in the top the level occupied by the likes of the Laughing Clowns, Sonic Youth and Autechre. So I guess it’s clear that I’m keenly awaiting the release of the new album.
• Another new release of interest is exitingARM by Subtle. Subtle came to my attention due to the involvement of members of Themselves (and the recommendation of Peter). They released 4 eps names after the seasons which were brilliant, taking in a dizzying array of styles. When they moved on to releasing albums they seemed to bring all of it together into a unique mix of rap, rock, electronica and more. They deserve more attention than they get (though if you check out metacritic you’ll see that the critics have certainly been kind). The new one is there third full length album, and completes a trilogy. Also worth mentioning is a lower profile release, Yell&Ice , which includes a number of collaborations on remixes/alternate versions of tracks from second album For Hero: For Fool. I hadn’t heard much about it but found it in Missing Link in Melbourne and have been very impressed by it. Apparently there was something similar for the first album but I’ve never come across it. Hopefully the new one will do well enough for them to tour here, I’d love to see them live. It wouldn’t be the first time to Adelaide for Dose One and Jel, they played, together with Sole, at Enigma Bar back in 2001.