Monkey House's Friday: jazz-infused pop/rock brilliance by Don Breithaupt, now on 180g audiophile 45RPM limited vinyl.
Sophisticated musicianship, imaginative lyrics, and a flair for melody are signatures of Monkey House, a sound that has earned the group serious critical acclaim, peer respect, and a steadily growing international following. Those qualities are on full display in Friday, released on Alma Records.
The fifth full-length release from the L.A./Toronto combo marked the band's 25th anniversary, showcasing Don Breithaupt's distinctive songwriting and the ensemble's seamless interplay. With co-producer Peter Cardinali and engineer John "Beetle" Bailey back in the fold, Friday delivers a polished yet adventurous 12-song collection.
While the record is anchored in Breithaupt's originals, it also features a moving tribute to one of his lifelong heroes with a cover of Steely Dan's Walter Becker's "Book Of Liars." Guest appearances enrich the set, from guitarist Drew Zingg (Boz Scaggs) and trumpeter Michael Leonhart (Steely Dan) to saxophonist François D'Amours (Gino Vannelli), Snarky Puppy's Mark Lettieri, and Ground Up artist Lucy Woodward. A standout highlight is The Jazz Life, where the legendary Manhattan Transfer add their unmistakable vocal magic.
Now, Friday returns in a Special Limited Collector's Edition, presented as a Half-Speed Mastered Audiophile Recording. Pressed on 180-gram virgin vinyl at 45 RPM and produced in ultra-high 24bit/192kHz resolution, this edition captures every nuance of Monkey House's layered arrangements -- from shimmering horns to lush harmonies -- with unparalleled depth and clarity.
Elegant, witty, and musically rich, Friday is both a career milestone and an enduring testament to Monkey House's artistry. In this premium half-speed mastered edition, it has never sounded so alive.
Bonus Materials
Music video directed by Oscar-winning producer, Miles Dale (The Shape Of Water)
Track Listing
Disc 1:
10,000 Hours Nine O'Clock Friday Shotgun Welcome To The Rest Of The World Book Of Liars The Jazz Life (featuring The Manhattan Transfer) I'll Drive, You Chill Say It For The Last Time When The Mud Men Come Because You Brainyard Island Off The Coast Of America
