Mike Cooper wrote his final songwriter record, a suite of gloaming glam-rock anthems performed with a spiritual jazz trio, while living on the Costa Tropical of Granada, Spain, an era when he was considering retiring from music altogether. A chance encounter and a last-ditch record deal convinced him to make one last album, which he recorded in 1974 at Pathway Studios in London, with "The Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World," featuring the inventive South African jazz rhythm section of Louis Moholo and Harry Miller with UK saxophonist Mike Osborne. This first-ever reissue includes a bonus CD of Milan Live Acoustic 2018, a previously unreleased solo set that represents Cooper's return, after forty-four years pursuing free improvisation and electronics, to a new, deconstructed approach to singing, steel guitar, and songcraft. The deluxe LP+CD edition also features a six-panel insert with additional artwork and an essay by the artist about both records. The deluxe 2xCD gatefold edition features an eight-panel version of the same insert. "Beautiful, fucked-up mid-70s rock that's really not like anything else. A mélange of mersh/avant/blues/folk/rock/jazz shiteroo, Life and Death in Paradise is a most splendid anomaly with hints of everyone from Gram Parsons to Michael Hurley to the Welfare State... Allow it into your head, and it will blossom like the strange mushroom it is." - Byron Coley
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Recommended equipment and accessories
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Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
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Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
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Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
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Pro-Ject Phono Box DC Pre-Amp
Compact, high-performance phono preamplifier for both MM and MC cartridges, delivering a clean, detailed signal with minimal noise.
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Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
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Dirkschneider & The Old Gang Babylon [2xLP]
Reigning Phoenix Music America, LLC
October 3, 2025 -
Seedbed Stalemate (Topaz Smoke)
Tiny Engines
August 22, 2025 -
The Last Dinner Party From The Pyre
Island
October 17, 2025 -
Sophie Ellis-Bextor Perimenopop
Republic Records
September 12, 2025 -
Ganser Animal Hospital (Blue)
Felte Records
August 29, 2025 -
Ed Sheeran Play (Amazon Exclusive; Purple)
Atlantic
September 12, 2025 -
Pi'erre Bourne Made in Paris [2xLP]
Interscope/Geffen/A&M
September 19, 2025 -
Gatlin The Eldest Daughter
Dualtone Music Group
October 3, 2025 -
Wolf Alice The Clearing
Rca Records
August 22, 2025 -
Golden Apples Shooting Star
Run For Cover
September 19, 2025 -
The Cranberries No Need To Argue (Deluxe) [2xLP]
Island
August 15, 2025 -
Orbit Culture Death Above Life [2xLP]
Century Media
October 3, 2025 -
Firstborne Lucky
M-Theory Audio
August 8, 2025 -
Kieran Hebden 41 Longfield Street Late '80s
Temporary Residence
September 19, 2025