HI-FI ROOM

Leon Bridges and Khruangbin have created two classic EPs. We are hoping for more. Until then, let's listen to both.

J. Cole's 2014 Forest Hills Drive is a poignant autobiographical journey that deftly weaves personal storytelling with sharp social commentary, all wrapped in soulful production. It With introspective lyricism and an authentic sound, Cole crafts an inviting narrative that resonates deeply, making listeners feel like they're sharing a heartfelt conversation rather than just hearing a collection of tracks.

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is a triumph, blending soulful vocals, sharp verses, and raw, introspective lyricism into a timeless declaration of self-love and empowerment. Lauryn Hill’s seamless fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and reggae reshaped the landscape of 90s music, elevating personal stories into universal truths.

David Bowie’s Station to Station is a dazzling exploration of musical innovation, where his ethereal voice dances over a fusion of rock, funk, and avant-garde influences, creating a sonic landscape that feels both mystical and grounded. With enigmatic lyrics and a theatrical flair, Bowie invites listeners on a spiritual journey that captures the essence of transformation and creativity in a truly unforgettable way.

If you are lucky enough to have heard the divine voice of Shawn Smith, live or on record, you'll be excited to celebrate this beautiful re-issue on Loosegroove Records. We'll be listening on the Café Sound system in the Lounge, catching up with friends, and raffling off test pressings. This is a FREE event. Simply reserve a seat between 6 and 8 PM.

The sophomore effort by the sensational French electro duo Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Cristo, and the soundtrack to many a night in the early 2000s. Released to instant acclaim on March 12, 2001, by Virgin Records.

We can think of no better record to cap off June than this, one of our Top 5 records of all time. There may be no better studio band assembled anywhere, ever, to record a soul and R&B record. The astonishing quality of Voodoo says it all, and nearly a quarter century later the tracks are just as hot as the day they came out of the oven. Virgin Records, January 25, 2000.

7:30PM Session SOLD OUT. New 5PM Session Added. Blonde by Frank Ocean is a genre-defying gem that blends experimental sounds with deeply personal storytelling, capturing the highs and lows of love and identity. With its lush production and raw vulnerability, this album transforms heartbreak into art, creating a compelling soundtrack that grows deeper with every listen.

Isaac Hayes' Hot Buttered Soul is a groundbreaking fusion of lush orchestration, soul, and funk, delivering epic tracks that transcend conventional song structures. With its deep grooves, cinematic scope, and Hayes' velvet-smooth baritone, the album redefined soul music in 1969 and remains a timeless masterpiece of emotional depth and innovation.

Beck's Hyperspace is a captivating journey through eclectic sounds and clever lyricism, brought to life by Pharrell Williams' deft production. With its blend of airy melodies and sharp hooks, the album offers a playful yet thought-provoking exploration of love and connection in a digital age.

Wish You Were Here is the ninth studio album by English rock band Pink Floyd. This 1975 release made clear that the band had nothing but epic records up their collective sleeve.

The Dark Side of the Moon is the eighth studio album by the English rock band Pink Floyd. We'll be listening to an original AAA original press of the 30th Anniversary edition. Pink Floyd debuted material for this record in Brighton, UK, and released this masterpiece on March 1, 1973. 30th Anniversary AAA pressing - a true gem.

The latest effort by Tyler, The Creator is sensational in every regard, pushing boundaries in lyricism and studio production alike. It's also nearly impossible to find on vinyl. Are you that surprised we have it?

"House Of Balloons" stands as a masterpiece, combining mesmerizing vocals, top-tier production, and themes of drugs, sex, indulgence, and remorse, to indulgent effect. Painting a vivid picture of life's complexities, this album remains a HiFi Room favorite.

Nine Inch Nails made industrial rock a household genre with a tour de force that details the downward spiral of humanity. It’s dark. And it’s beautiful. Released on March 8, 1994, on Nothing Records in the U.S. and Island Records in Europe.

Today we’ll be listening to records 2 through 7 in studio LP oeuvre of a band many of you have never heard of. Just kidding. Throw your take away to the ground and reserve seats now. All of these seatings will sell out. Please note: one record per seating. Released on Parlophone Records on March 13, 1995.

OK Computer catapulted Radiohead into uncharted sonic territory, blending dystopian themes with experimental rock to create a haunting, era-defining masterpiece. Its fusion of digital anxiety and human emotion redefined modern music, making it one of the most influential albums of the last 30 years. A HiFi Room favorite.

The record that innovators make after making a record that reshapes the future of music. Released in 2000.

The other record that innovators make after making a record that reshapes the future of music. Released in 2001.

Hail to the Thief stands as a compelling synthesis of Radiohead's experimental ethos and their keen political commentary, reflecting the band's evolution from the existential angst of "OK Computer" to a more fragmented, anxious soundscape. The album deftly weaves intricate arrangements and haunting melodies, capturing the disillusionment of the early 2000s while resonating with themes of paranoia and societal unrest that permeate their broader discography.

With In Rainbows Radiohead strove to create a record on par with OK Computer. There was strong sentiment among members that this would be the last record, and that it should be one for the ages. The fact that they achieved the goal is indisputable. Released digitally on October 10, 2007, fans were invited to download and "pay what you like." The physical release hit the streets on December 3, 2007. XL Records pressing. A HiFi Room favorite, for good reason.

Herbert von Karajan recorded the cycle of Beethoven symphonies three times — in the 1960s, the 1970s and the 1980s. This recording of the Berlin Philharmonic, made by a youthful(ish) Karajan in 1962, is considered among the finest of all time. Additional Beethoven chamber music included in the program.

Funkadelic's Maggot Brain is a psychedelic odyssey, with Eddie Hazel’s soul-searing guitar on the title track slicing through cosmic despair like a bolt of funk-charged lightning. Bold, raw, and unapologetically weird, it’s the sound of a band bending rock, funk, and the universe itself to their will.

Kiss's Destroyer is arena rock excess at its finest, where bombastic anthems like "Detroit Rock City" and "God of Thunder" mix pyro with pure swagger. It's a spectacle in sonic form—over-the-top, shamelessly theatrical, and impossible not to crank up. Klipschorns, get ready.

The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, Chappell Roan's debut album, is a vibrant and emotionally charged journey through the highs and lows of love, identity, and self-discovery. With its blend of infectious pop melodies and heartfelt lyrics, the album captures the essence of Midwestern life while delivering a sound that's both fresh and nostalgic. This vinyl session will immerse you in Roan's world, where every track tells a story of vulnerability, empowerment, and the quest for authenticity.

The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, Chappell Roan's debut album, is a vibrant and emotionally charged journey through the highs and lows of love, identity, and self-discovery. With its blend of infectious pop melodies and heartfelt lyrics, the album captures the essence of Midwestern life while delivering a sound that's both fresh and nostalgic. This vinyl session will immerse you in Roan's world, where every track tells a story of vulnerability, empowerment, and the quest for authenticity.

Rogê's Curyman II flows like a golden hour breeze, blending samba and soul into an impossibly smooth album of songs. It’s a love letter to Brazil’s musical roots, polished with a modern shimmer that feels both timeless and fresh. We’re lucky enough to have Austen and Jared of Diamond Records in the room — come celebrate the release of this long-awaited record!

Following the fire of Music of My Mind, the ambition of Talking Book, and the social urgency of Innervisions,Fulfillingness’ First Finale feels like the reflective exhale after the storm. Its quieter, more introspective tone trades explosive innovation for a hushed mastery, where every groove is a whispered revelation.

Mac Miller’s Circles is a hauntingly beautiful farewell, blending understated production with introspective lyrics that ache with vulnerability. It’s the sound of an artist at peace with imperfection, crafting a quiet, soulful legacy.

Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas turns holiday cheer into cool, jazzy melancholy, where each piano note feels like a snowflake melting on your soul. It’s the rare Christmas album that’s both timeless and sophisticated, as cozy as it is contemplative. Bring the family — as long as they are over 21 years old!

The Beasties started out playing instruments, detoured into their famous sideshow antics, created some of the most innovative records of all time, and recorded an album of of phenomenally funky instrumentals along the way. In Sound is the collection, Way Out is the direction. Be there. Released on Capitol Records on April 2, 1996.

Brat is Charli XCX’s masterpiece, dripping with contradictions that make it irresistible: brash yet vulnerable, hyperpop yet deeply introspective. Her sharp take on fame, identity, and grief feels more alive than ever, with tracks that go from electronic delirium to raw emotional confession, all wrapped in an intoxicating cocktail of hooks and synths that demand a listen in the HiFi Room.

The Cars' self-titled debut is a masterclass in streamlined cool, blending razor-sharp new wave with just enough rock grit to keep it grounded. It's as if every track was precision-engineered to be a hit, turning slick detachment into an irresistible art form.

Rubber Soul is where The Beatles shed their pop innocence, blending introspective lyrics with rich folk-rock textures. It’s a pivotal moment where their songwriting deepens, capturing the tension between ambition and authenticity.

Monk's Music is a jazz cathedral where every note feels like a stained-glass revelation, bold and untouchable. With his off-kilter genius and an all-star ensemble, Monk turns the unexpected into the unforgettable, rewriting the rules of cool.

Ghosteen is a luminous meditation on grief and transcendence, where Nick Cave's voice drifts like a spectral guide through lush, otherworldly soundscapes. It’s less an album and more a communal elegy, shimmering with beauty and aching with the weight of the ineffable. The third installment in a trilogy, Ghosteen will break your heart and lift you up, offering an ethereal glimpse into a supernatural world of hope and wonder.

There are few things we love more than being able to listen to the incomparable Lady Day. And with Ben Webster by her side on tenor saxophone? Recorded in the first week of January 1957 and eleased on Verve later that year.

Debut is the international debut studio album by Icelandic recording artist Björk, released in July 1993 by One Little Indian and Elektra Entertainment. It was produced by Björk and Nellee Hooper. It was Björk's first recording following the dissolution of her previous band, the Sugarcubes.

The latest effort by Tyler, The Creator is sensational in every regard, pushing boundaries in lyricism and studio production alike. It's also nearly impossible to find on vinyl. Are you that surprised we have it?

Speaking in Tongues is Talking Heads at their funkiest, crafting a kaleidoscopic groove that feels like a dance party on the edge of a nervous breakdown. David Byrne’s offbeat charisma and the band’s rhythmic precision make existential musings sound downright jubilant.

Everyone from Raphael Saadiq to Questlove to Q-Tip chipped in on the production of our favorite Solange album (her third studio effort). The Roy Ayers-inflected keyboards, Quest’s steady kick drum/snare combo, Solange’s angelic lead vocals (and harmonies) make this a go-to album whenever we’re in the mood for a thoughtful and perfect afternoon, or evening. Released September 30, 2016, on Saint Records and Columbia Records.

Blonde on Blonde is a sprawling, surreal fever dream where Bob Dylan’s poetic genius collides with electric blues and country gold. It’s the sound of a restless artist at his peak, turning heartbreak and absurdity into pure, untouchable art.

What’s the Story Morning Glory? is Britpop’s defining swagger, pairing colossal anthems with a bittersweet undercurrent that cuts deeper than the Gallagher brothers’ bravado. It’s the sound of a generation singing along, equal parts dreamer and rebel, with choruses built to last forever.

Herbert von Karajan recorded the cycle of Beethoven symphonies three times — in the 1960s, the 1970s and the 1980s. This recording of the Berlin Philharmonic, made by a youthful(ish) Karajan in 1962, is considered among the finest of all time. Additional Beethoven chamber music included in the program.

The seventh studio outing from the former Screaming Trees frontman and vocalist skates the edge of a razorblade into the deepest, darkest night, through pain, dereliction, love and sorrow, then falls directly into the arms of pure beauty. The most electronic leaning of all of Lanegan’s outings, this powerhouse of a record is one for the ages.

High Priestess of Soul is Nina Simone’s unapologetic declaration of power, where her smoky vocals command every note like a sermon and a love song in one breath. It’s an album that doesn’t just sing—it demands to be felt, an amalgam of unparalleled musicianship, raw emotion and unapologetic truth.

So... How's Your Girl? is the debut album from Handsome Boy Modeling School, a genre-blurring collaboration between Dan the Automator and Prince Paul that fuses hip-hop, electronic, and alt-rock with sharp wit and playful swagger. It's a kaleidoscopic ride through absurdity and cool, with guest spots from Del the Funky Homosapien, Cat Power, and others, making every track a standout moment in 90s hip-hop experimentation.

Lemonade is Beyoncé’s bold, genre-defying masterpiece, blending pop, R&B, rock, and country into a sonic journey that’s as emotional as it is revolutionary. With unapologetic power and vulnerability, it’s a visceral exploration of love, betrayal, and empowerment, setting a new bar for personal storytelling in mainstream music.

Lucky number 7 for the National. Sleep Well Beast is, in our opinion, neck and neck with Boxer when considering their finest work. Start to finish, a stunner. Recorded in studios all over the world but of a singular voice, it won a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album in 2018. We’ll be featuring the special edition Yves Klein Blue edition of the record, released by 4 AD on September 8, 2017.

Usher’s My Way is a genre-defining R&B milestone that masterfully blends sultry vocals with infectious grooves, showcasing his evolution from heartthrob to a true musical powerhouse. The album captures the complexities of love and desire, delivering smooth storytelling that resonates deeply while maintaining a rhythmic energy that’s impossible to resist.

Julian “Cannonball” Adderley was deep into his membership in Miles Davis’s quintet when he recorded this album at Rudy Van Gelder’s world famous Hackensack studio. With four titans of American music — Miles Davis, Hank Jones, Sam Jones and Art Blakey. Recorded March 9, 1958 and released in August of that year on Blue Note. Featuring the Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition.

A Night at the Opera is Queen’s audacious masterpiece, blending operatic grandeur with rock swagger to create a genre-defying, high-drama sonic experience. From the grandeur of "Bohemian Rhapsody" to the infectious energy of "You're My Best Friend," it’s a fearless celebration of theatricality and musical innovation that remains unmatched in scope and inventiveness.

Fearless (Taylor's Version) is a reimagined treasure, where Taylor Swift reclaims her country-pop roots with a new sense of maturity and confidence. With producers Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff at her side, we go on a nostalgic yet fresh journey through love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, with every re-recorded track gaining depth and resonance while maintaining its youthful spark.

Thunderous. Majestic. Levee-breaking. Two years earlier the quartet reached for the Hammer of the Gods on their debut album. This time around, they brought the hammer down squarely on the world of music, and music has thanked them ever since. By the way, Jimmy Page plays the guitar solo on Stairway to Heaven on a Stratocaster. Plus, we'll be checking out the Classic Records 2003 Grundman master on 200g vinyl. This is widely considered to be the best version of this album.

One spin makes it clear that the Pulitzer committee at Columbia University had no choice but to hand Kendrick Lamar his just due.

Stardust is Willie Nelson’s smoky, soulful reinvention, where he channels his laid-back outlaw spirit into timeless standards, transforming them into his own cosmic dreamscape. With a voice as weathered as the American heartland and a band that swings with effortless grace, it’s an album that proves Willie can make any genre his own, even the Great American Songbook.

Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots is a psychedelic triumph, where The Flaming Lips fuse whimsical electronica with existential musings, creating an album that feels like a cosmic dreamscape wrapped in fuzz and wonder. With Wayne Coyne’s surreal lyrics and expansive soundscapes, it’s a triumphant exploration of love, technology, and humanity’s fragile spirit—both alien and deeply relatable.

I Want You is Marvin Gaye at his sensual, seductive peak, blending smooth soul with lush, orchestral arrangements that pulse with desire. Every track is a slow burn, where Gaye’s velvet voice wraps around intimate confessions, crafting an album that’s as much about yearning as it is about unspoken connection.

We can think of no better way that mark the end of 2024. There is everything before Kind of Blue, and everything after. (Until the next time Miles changed music, but that’s for another night.) We know this record well at Shibuya HiFi. When we purchased our vintage Klipschorns we wanted to hear something that was iconic, beloved the world over, sublime. Just to see if the speakers made a difference. So we listened to Side B, Track 2 of Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue.  In our sonic world, there’s everything before that moment and there’s everything since. Join us this evening as we celebrate!

The Dark Side of the Moon is the eighth studio album by the English rock band Pink Floyd. We'll be listening to an original AAA original press of the 30th Anniversary edition. Pink Floyd debuted material for this record in Brighton, UK, and released this masterpiece on March 1, 1973. 30th Anniversary AAA pressing - a true gem.

Daft Punk separate themselves from most contemporary electronic music — and their past efforts — by enlisting the biggest names in the biz (past, present and future) to launch into an orbit all their own. This is a HiFi Room favorite. A reference record. A masterpiece. 10th Anniversary 180 gram pressing.