After All These Years

Rami and the Reliables

Rami and the Reliables is the ongoing pet project of three fifths of the Flat Five (or half of NRBQ). Scott Ligon (NRBQ, Flat Five) Casey McDonough (NRBQ, Flat Five) Alex Hall (Flat Five, JD McPherson, Cactus Blossoms, Pokey LaFarge) and their muse Rami Gabriel, have recorded over fifty of Rami's songs in the past five years at Alex Hall's

Rami and the Reliables is the ongoing pet project of three fifths of the Flat Five (or half of NRBQ). Scott Ligon (NRBQ, Flat Five) Casey McDonough (NRBQ, Flat Five) Alex Hall (Flat Five, JD McPherson, Cactus Blossoms, Pokey LaFarge) and their muse Rami Gabriel, have recorded over fifty of Rami's songs in the past five years at Alex Hall's Reliable Recorders studio. Scott describes the sessions as "Our own little version of Second City: Rami sets the scene for us and then we go berserk!"

Recording three songs a day, the tracks presented in this collection are the 1st, 2nd or 3rd take in almost every case. The group insisted upon releasing the "rough mixes" that were sent home by engineer Alex Hall at the end of each day because, according Scott, "This is how records used to be made; a songwriter would bring a song or two into the studio, show them to a group of good musicians, and a few hours later he had a 45 under his arm that he lived with forever...whether he liked it or not!"

Originally from Beirut, Rami Gabriel is an accomplished Oud player and a published professor of psychology. Rami became friendly with Scott, Casey and Alex through the Chicago music scene and eventually enlisted the trio to help him flesh out the two or three dozen songs that he had ready to go.

After All These Years is a greatest hits collection that is also a debut album! Very little of this music has been officially released until this limited edition of 250 vinyl records. Scott- "We've just been doing it for our own enjoyment and hadn't really considered releasing anything until we realized that we'd recorded forty songs already! We thought we'd better put something out before we had a HUNDRED on our hands!" This record is for fans of NRBQ, The Flat Five, and good times.

Read more…
0:00/???
  1. 1
    0:00/2:44
  2. 2
    0:00/3:42
  3. 3
    0:00/2:53
  4. 4
    0:00/2:42
  5. 5
    0:00/3:02
  6. 6
    0:00/3:33
  7. 7
    0:00/2:46
  8. 8
    0:00/3:18
  9. 9
    0:00/2:26
  10. 10
    0:00/3:49
  11. 11
    0:00/3:22
  12. 12
    0:00/3:24
The Flat Five - Vinyl
  • The Flat Five - Vinyl

The Flat Five - Vinyl

In cart Not available Out of stock
$21.99

Another World was produced by band member Scott Ligon and The Flat Five. It was recorded/engineered by Flat Five drummer Alex Hall at his popular Chicago studio, Reliable Recorders with some additional sessions done at Wilco’s gearhead paradise, The Loft, engineered by Mark Greenberg.

The charms of this band are manifest. These guys are all about

Another World was produced by band member Scott Ligon and The Flat Five. It was recorded/engineered by Flat Five drummer Alex Hall at his popular Chicago studio, Reliable Recorders with some additional sessions done at Wilco’s gearhead paradise, The Loft, engineered by Mark Greenberg.

The charms of this band are manifest. These guys are all about vocal harmony — five hardcore vocal buzz junkies — and they share a vast range of influences from The Free Design to The Three Degrees to Captain Beefheart and a restless desire to explore a song from the inside out: to see just how far out it’ll go. This sophomore album showcases The Flat Five’s trademark keen musicianship and their slightly subversive sense of humor. It’s marked by the playful wide-eyed sweetness that colors all their music, tempered with their appreciation for how freaking good it feels to listen to a beautiful bummer on repeat sometimes. Like Charles Schultz said: “Happiness is a Sad Song.”

Read more…

When I was a Writer

Matt Wilson & his Orchestra

Matt Wilson of Minneapolis is best known as a singer and songwriter for Trip Shakespeare, a band that blossomed in the 90s. But his new group which he calls an Orchestra is making waves both because of its appealing sound built around a unique combination of instruments including harp and banjo, and because Matt’s songwriting is as inspiring as

Matt Wilson of Minneapolis is best known as a singer and songwriter for Trip Shakespeare, a band that blossomed in the 90s. But his new group which he calls an Orchestra is making waves both because of its appealing sound built around a unique combination of instruments including harp and banjo, and because Matt’s songwriting is as inspiring as ever.

Raised in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, Matt and his high school friends formed a group called The Panic, and spent much of their youth as under-aged performers in Minneapolis nightclubs such as 1st Avenue and 7th Street Entry. In the early 80s, Matt followed his brother Dan to college in Boston where they formed a number of bands including the Love Monsters in which Matt took his first turn as a front man. Returning to Minneapolis, the brothers joined forces with bass player John Munson to form Trip Shakespeare, touring and recording together for a decade.

Matt’s music has been featured on MTV, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, Spin, The Toronto Star and many other publications. Trip Shakespeare’s single, “Toolmaster of Brainerd”, was named by City Pages one of Minnesota’s 50 Greatest Hits, and that group was included by nationally-influential radio station The Current in its 2017 list of 893 Most Essential Musical Artists of All Time.

Matt’s new orchestra has a grassy sound that’s easy to fall into. Most striking to both the eye and ear is the harp mastery of Phala Tracy. The band’s sound is underpinned by the propulsive banjo groove of Quillan Roe. The bright sounds of harp and banjo are sent forth on black road of electric bass paved by Minneapolis guitar wizard Jacques Wait. The group sings together in striking close harmony. Their new album, When I was a Writer, represents not only a new and appealing sound but a 10-track songwriting triumph of melody, rhyme and pure emotion.

Read more…
A Higher Place: Vinyl
  • A Higher Place: Vinyl

A Higher Place: Vinyl

In cart Not available Out of stock
$19.99

Pravda Records proudly presents the sixth full-length by Iowa City Ambassadors of groove The Diplomats Of Solid Sound, entirely mixed and edited at The Magic Barn in Iowa City and inspired by the sounds of the best 60s style soul and funk. Having already cut 5 full-length albums, "Instrumental Action Soul" (Prescription Records - 2001), "Lets Cool

Pravda Records proudly presents the sixth full-length by Iowa City Ambassadors of groove The Diplomats Of Solid Sound, entirely mixed and edited at The Magic Barn in Iowa City and inspired by the sounds of the best 60s style soul and funk. Having already cut 5 full-length albums, "Instrumental Action Soul" (Prescription Records - 2001), "Let´s Cool One"(Estrus Records - 2003), "Destination Get Down!" (Estrus Records - 2005), self-titled “Diplomats Of Solid Sound featuring The Diplomettes” (Pravda Records/Record Kicks 2008), and “What Goes Around, Comes Around”, the band is just getting warmed up. “A Higher Place” is chock full of irresistible funk and soul bombs ready to melt your heart or make you shake it on the dance-floor, strongly confirming their standing in the contemporary funk and neo-soul scene. LP includes free download card.

Read more…
The New AM: Vinyl
  • The New AM: Vinyl

The New AM: Vinyl

In cart Not available Out of stock
$19.99

At the heart of The New AM, the immensely appealing debut from The Imperial Sound, is the band’s mastery of the classic pop hook. Primary songwriter Rick Mosher references everyone from Todd Rundgren and Carole King to Elvis Costello and The Replacements, and the result is an impressively consistent album of perfect pop moments. Years of shared

At the heart of The New AM, the immensely appealing debut from The Imperial Sound, is the band’s mastery of the classic pop hook. Primary songwriter Rick Mosher references everyone from Todd Rundgren and Carole King to Elvis Costello and The Replacements, and the result is an impressively consistent album of perfect pop moments. Years of shared experience in studios and on stages have sharpened the Imperial Sound’s instincts, and their arrangements have an easy power that is only earned over time. As accomplished as the band is, they are never afraid to let their Midwestern roots show. An Imperial Sound song is like a semi-polished gem – beautiful, but unpretentious and still a bit rough around the edges. The best of them, like “Yesterday,” “Daylight,” and “A Man Like You” are both sophisticated and endearingly straightforward. It’s no surprise that a who’s who of Chicago rock and pop talent lined up to sing on this project: Kathy Ruestow, Dag Juhlin, Kelly Hogan, Nora O’Connor, Bobby Cornelius, and Peter Himmelman all lend their voices to the album. Listen to the slashing power chords of “Get Along” or the major-league horn hooks of “I Feel Strange,” and you’ll realize that you’re in the company of a band that understands the power and the beauty of a truly great pop song.

Read more…
When I was a Writer: Matt Wilson & his Orchestra- When I was a Writer - Vinyl
  • When I was a Writer: Matt Wilson & his Orchestra- When I was a Writer - Vinyl

When I was a Writer: Matt Wilson & his Orchestra- When I was a Writer - Vinyl

In cart Not available Out of stock
$19.99

Matt Wilson of Minneapolis is best known as a singer and songwriter for Trip Shakespeare, a band that blossomed in the 90s. But his new group which he calls an Orchestra is making waves both because of its appealing sound built around a unique combination of instruments including harp and banjo, and because Matt’s songwriting is as inspiring as

Matt Wilson of Minneapolis is best known as a singer and songwriter for Trip Shakespeare, a band that blossomed in the 90s. But his new group which he calls an Orchestra is making waves both because of its appealing sound built around a unique combination of instruments including harp and banjo, and because Matt’s songwriting is as inspiring as ever.

Raised in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, Matt and his high school friends formed a group called The Panic, and spent much of their youth as under-aged performers in Minneapolis nightclubs such as 1st Avenue and 7th Street Entry. In the early 80s, Matt followed his brother Dan to college in Boston where they formed a number of bands including the Love Monsters in which Matt took his first turn as a front man. Returning to Minneapolis, the brothers joined forces with bass player John Munson to form Trip Shakespeare, touring and recording together for a decade.

Matt’s music has been featured on MTV, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, Spin, The Toronto Star and many other publications. Trip Shakespeare’s single, “Toolmaster of Brainerd”, was named by City Pages one of Minnesota’s 50 Greatest Hits, and that group was included by nationally-influential radio station The Current in its 2017 list of 893 Most Essential Musical Artists of All Time.

Matt’s new orchestra has a grassy sound that’s easy to fall into. Most striking to both the eye and ear is the harp mastery of Phala Tracy. The band’s sound is underpinned by the propulsive banjo groove of Quillan Roe. The bright sounds of harp and banjo are sent forth on black road of electric bass paved by Minneapolis guitar wizard Jacques Wait. The group sings together in striking close harmony. Their new album, When I was a Writer, represents not only a new and appealing sound but a 10-track songwriting triumph of melody, rhyme and pure emotion.

Read more…
Indian name: Vinyl
  • Indian name: Vinyl

Indian name: Vinyl

In cart Not available Out of stock
$4.98

Vinyl only release from 1986 from Iowa's Shy Strangers. Jangly midwest pop from this young Iowa band that featured Doug Roberson, who went on to be in Bent Scepters, Head Candy, and The Diplomats of Solid Sound.

Read more…
Situation: Vinyl
  • Situation: Vinyl

Situation: Vinyl

In cart Not available Out of stock
$4.98

Original vinyl EP pressing from this Iowa power trio that sings from the heart. 1986 release.

Read more…
America's Newest Hitmakers: Vinyl
  • America's Newest Hitmakers: Vinyl

America's Newest Hitmakers: Vinyl

In cart Not available Out of stock
$15.99

The first full-length lp from Pravda's original artists. This record includes a cover of the Weirdos "Life of Crime" (with stomping tuba solo), and other classics such as "October House," "Trouble Begins" and "Ring Gets Tighter."

Read more…
Head vs. Wall: Vinyl
  • Head vs. Wall: Vinyl

Head vs. Wall: Vinyl

In cart Not available Out of stock
$9.98

The final word from Pravda's first signing. The Service released 4 full-length albums, 2 eps, and one single between 1984 and 1989, leaving a trail of powerful, wide-ranging music. Head vs. Wall is their last recording, ranging from relaxed, perfect pop to howling guitar orgies.

Read more…
Don't Ever Give Up: Vinyl
  • Don't Ever Give Up: Vinyl

Don't Ever Give Up: Vinyl

In cart Not available Out of stock
$19.99

Limited edition purple vinyl edition of Andre Williams last record he recorded in New Orleans. A stunning final album from one of the most enduring R&B /rock and roll performers in the last 50 years. RIP Andre.

Read more…