Cheekbone & Hirotaka Shirotsubaki - Cheekbone & Hirotaka Shirotsubaki (2019)

 

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Let's end the month with another beautiful collection of ambient drones brought to you by Muzan Editions. There must be a certain level of chill an artist has exude, and I imagine they'll need to have a permanent relaxed disposition and a slight grin at all times. That's exactly how I feel whenever I listen to anything from this label. 

Featured in this collection, Cheekbone starts Side A with 4 super lush, slow burning vibes that remind me of spring rain, delicious milky tea lattes, and light jacketed walks through the woods with my Wife. It's a collection of nice droning tunes with what I imagine are a bunch of perfectly times windchimes caught in an ever-warming breeze. This shit is beautiful.

Side B continues with Hirotaka Shirotsubaki 3 track run of how I feel Sunday mornings are supposed to sound. A slow-building wall of sound that is gently guiding the sun to rise, warning us basic ass 9-5er's that tomorrow we start this shit all over again, but we might as well enjoy today to the fullest. If you're into American Football, today is also the day that you [or in my case, my wife] screams mercilessly at the television for like 6 hours. Oh, the insults are incredible. 

As previously mentioned, Muzan is offering this collection and many others on their bandcamp for a name you price fee. If you're feeling it, give them some of your coins you greedy bastards.  

Cheekbone & Hirotaka Shirotsubaki 

Lord Almighty - Wither (2020)

 

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Boston quartet Lord Almighty has one goal, and that is to smash your face in, 11 times. Wither proves this possible with every listen. This record has a fresh sound that ebbs and flows with the heavy and loose, and the quiet and beautiful. Standout for me is definitely the title track and it's incredible finish. These guys also have a great sense of humor. Give them the thumbs up or whatever the fuck is the flavor this week. I can't help but to like these guys. This effort makes me think back to my cool ass uncle Danny and how we used to headbang in his kitchen super late on a school night. Every listen makes me think of him. Get this shit, spin this shit, dig this shit. 

Wither

Cult Ritual ‎– LP1 (2009)

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I am way late to the party on this massive, hard-hitting epic fucking record. It literally deserves all of those words. Gut-punching riffs over thunderous beats, so much feedback, and the howls of a lunatic. I fucking love this record. This Floridian quartet regrettably only lasted about 3 years. They all went on to do a million other bands, that will eventually make their way here. Grab this, slam-dance your ass off, and feel good. 

LP1

 

Sareem Poems & Newselph - The Art of Living (2020)

 

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I've been feeling this album especially hard this week. The beats are clean and crisp with subtle jazz undertones, courtesy of Newselph, while Poems delivers smooth-as-silk positive vibes over 11 tracks that seem to fly by. I can't just do a single track, each listen is a full record spin. Our dynamic duo managed to craft some superbly chilled-out tunes that are a must have for the beginning of yet another strange year. Get it, spin it, lean in and learn.

The Art of Living

Future Islands - As Long As You Are (2020)

 

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My introduction to Future Islands was the summer of 2010 with their oh so brilliant Tin Man video. I just happened to see it in passing, while kicking it with some friends and Herring's voice was like a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stale start to the 2010's. I grabbed their record and lived with it for the better half of that year. I kept up with them to the best of my abilities and have been impressed with how consistent they've been. Pumping out banger albums on average every 3 years. 

Presented here is Future Islands 6 studio release and it continues to show every bit of their strengths. Lush pop tunes, swelling ballads, and ass-shaking dance tunes. Nearly 11 years after I first saw their video I am still feeling their tunes. Grab this, and a friend, and enjoy.

As Long As You Are

Kaleidoscope - Tangerine Dream (1967)

 

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Released the same year as psychedelic heavy hitters, and often lumped in with them as well as one the leading pioneers of the genre, Kaleidoscope sadly failed to make a lasting impression on the young hippy types. This record has some tasty jams and all of the right elements of what should've been a hit. If only it was released in July of '67, instead of November, the music world might have been a different place, and they may have been the giants casting shadows on the rest of the planet. Take this for a ride. 

Tangerine Dream

Deeds of Flesh - Nucleus (2020)

 

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Although last year was a complete pile of flaming dogshit, for the entire planet, the world of extreme metal saw some of it's most incredible releases. Another of which was previously shared here. Much in the same vein as the aforementioned, veterans Deeds of Flesh crafted another beautiful story-based progressive death metal album, and one I have been obsessively living with. I mean I honestly have to physically force myself to listen to other things, otherwise I fear either I'm going to turn into one of the soul stealing machines featured on this album, or my wife is going to strangle me because it's midnight on a Tuesday and I'm headbanging in the kitchen. Spin this shit and see for yourself. 

Nucleus

Noah Howard - The Black Ark (1969)

 

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Way back in the day I used to go to this place in Evanston Illinois, called Pick-a-Cup Coffee Club on Friday nights, without fail. The baristas and I would proceed to get overly caffeinated and completely stoned out of our skulls, because at 7 PM on the dot, about 20+ musicians would get into a circle and blastoff into outer space. Despite the array of drums, percussion instruments, sometimes saxophones, etc... this group was so tight they could start and stop on a drop. Howard's 3rd recording as a leader takes me back there, every time I put it on. There's cacophonous moments, but as soon as Howard blows a phrase order comes back and the band is in sync again. Damn I miss that place. Pour yourself a cup of tea/coffee and feel the music.

The Black Ark

The Ex - Disturbing Domestic Peace (1980)

 

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It's ridiculously eerie just how familiar this album feels, as if all of the lyrics and subject matter are still relevant here and now in 2021? Anyway, this is the Dutch Punks debut record and it kicks right out of the gates. It's 28 minutes of piss and vinegar, scratchy, bass-heavy truths, spitting them right in your face. The Ex went on to create wild Punk-World-Fusion, that I honestly believe The Police were attempting to channel, before all of the money and love songs kicked in. Do your ears a favor and spin this. Preferably while wearing a torn leather jacket and drinking a beer.

Disturbing Domestic Peace

Indian Summer ‎– Indian Summer (1971)

 

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How about another delicious 1970's gem? There is virtually no information on these guys other than the above link and the old faithful discogs page. Evidence points towards only a single record that was picked up by a bunch of different labels, but nothing else released. Which is a bummer because these guys play super tight, almost psychedelia at times, kick ass jams. I especially enjoy Secrets Reflected, and it's slightly Third vibes. Do yourself a favor and dig into this record. 

India Summer

Gypsy - In The Garden (1971)

 

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Gypsy's sophomore album is a delicious slice of straight-up 70's proggy goodness. There's a few extended passages, some great guitar work, and an organ that wraps itself around my heart and smoothers me with those oh so magical nostalgia feels. The kind that bring pangs and maybe a few good tears. Treasured memories of making cookies with my siblings at the beginning of the fall. Trying not to burn down the kitchen. Witnessing the leaves change colors in the Midwest. Those feels are heavy with this record. Get it, spin it, feel the love. 

In the Garden

clipping. - Visions of Bodies Being Burned (2020)

 

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I'm having a difficult time trying to review this group. I will say that they really do live up to their name with those noisy ass harsh beats always pushing the red. The 'beats' are definitely interesting and Diggs delivers perfectly over what some have described as the sounds of glass in a blender. I like it. It's possible some of their tracks could be released as a single, and possibly even see radio play, but the rest are way the fuck out there space jams. I don't want to make comparisons to anyone, because this shit is really that fresh and different. Grab it, spin it, blow you mind.

Visions of Bodies Being Burned

Terumasa Hino ‎– Journey To Air (1970)

 

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Side A [Journey To Air 1] resembles a massive traffic jam at midday, during the summer. Everyone is in a hurry, honking their horns, edging slightly forward, almost dangerously too close to the car in front of them. This of course is causing even more panic, followed by more honking. This is complete and total chaos. That's exactly what Side A sounds like to me. 

Side B [Journey To Air 2] starts kind of sparse, fusionesque and definitely more laid back. It's a welcome relief from the absolute madness of the first track. It does pick up, but not nearly as aggressive. There's a bit more rhythm, and the instruments are much easier to separate. It's quite the sonic workout. I'm honestly not too familiar with Hino's work, but I hope to change that in the months to come. Here's the ticket, now take that trip.

Journey to Air

Exocrine - Maelstrom (2020)

 

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Clearly the beginning of this year is all about catching up with last years extreme music releases. I was introduced to France's Exocrine this past summer and was immediately floored by their technical work, and the tasty ass jazzy breakdowns. Not to mention the oddly satisfying synth parts that flood this record. Find the ass groove on the couch, sink in, grab some oversized headphones, and float.   

Maelstrom

Sepultura - Quadra (2020)

 

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This marks the 15th effort from the Gods of Thrash and in their opinion the bands best performance since the 90's. This is a concept album that's split into 4 sections, 3 songs each encompassing vibes from Thrash, to their infamous world digs, to groovy as fuck instrumentals and back again. The set feels super tight and the bass/drums kind of come from every direction at once, blasting your eardrum clean of the weeks bullshit, and making way for some of the slickest guitar solos I heard so far. The standout track for me was the near perfect album closer. Spin this at maximum volume.

Quadra

Arthur Jones - Scorpio (1971)

 

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BYG Records: Acutel Series released some of the most interesting recording of the late 1960's/early 1970's. A French label specializing in free-jazz and avant-garde music whom purportedly did some shady shit, but despite the history, they've started reissuing their Actual Series which includes one of my favorite records. Jones is at peak performance on this recording, blowing his religion into the air and ears of those who will listen. Scorpio takes off  right out of the gates, and ebbs and flows over 4 tracks. Sad Eyes, in my opinion is the highlight and most tender effort on the record. Grab it, have a seat, and take that ride. 

Scorpio

End of Mankind - Antérieur à la lumière (2020)

 

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End of Mankind fits the theme for the last 12 months. This is their 2nd release inside of a single year. Last year saw their debut release, but due to shutdowns they were forced to quarantine. Instead of moping, they used the time to record the sophomore effort and jam all their frustrations into a fantastic follow-up. This is a solid set, showing growth and maturity, and a bit of experimenting as well. I don't want to ruin the experience, but I will say that I was pleasantly surprised. 

Antérieur à la lumière

Villagers of Ioannina City - Age of Aquarius (2020)

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This band has big moods. Their music was very obviously made for large arenas. It's a mixture of world music, psychedelia, stoner rock, and a lot of Greek influences make an appearance. I thought I'd never enjoy the sounds of a bagpipes again, but here were are, and I am digging it. I most enjoyed this record on long drives, and hikes. I'm going to blast this the next time we find ourselves in a canyon of some sort. Take a drive and play this out.

Age of Aquarius

Atramentus - Stygian (2020)

 

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If anyone knows about cold dark nights, it would be Canada's pride and joy, Atramentus. They've managed to gather all the dark, cold pain that winter brings and crafted it into a 3 track, 45 minute saga about a nameless knight’s epic journey through a dead, cold earth. Drenched in doom, each track crawls at a glacial pace, layering dark ambient passages with some incredible guitar solos, and just a wee bit'o black metal for flavor. This is a really great accompaniment for those cold winter days, like today. Grab it, spin it, love it.

Stygian

Pyrrhon - Abscess Time (2020)

 

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If there were ever a soundtrack to the Midwest it would be Pyrrhon's 4th effort. In between the agonizing, snarling screams and guttural growls you'll find hard bitter truths that are quite relatable. Despite this, the groups sound has further expanded into more experimental territories, conjuring densely layered sounds with some of the most brutal baselines I’ve heard this year. Fans of Today is the Day will eat this shit up and beg for more. Fair warning, this is definitely not a light trip. 

Abscess Time

George Russell - Trip to Prillarguri (1982)

 

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To be in the audience for this recording must have been most exciting. It features a lot of young, soon-to-be heavy hitters in the European Jazz scene. The group doesn't stray too far into total freak-outs, instead opting for tightly scheduled solos making it a very assessible listen. Overall, it's a pretty solid set and a great way to spend 48 minutes of your life. This is most pleasant at early evening, right as the sun begins to set. Put this on and take that trip. You've earned it. 

Trip to Prillarguri

Vashti Bunyan - Some Things Just Stick in Your Mind – Singles and Demos 1964 to 1967 (2007)

 

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Vashti has a pretty interesting story. She recorded numerous demos and singles, and a debut record in 1970. Sadly, her beautifully haunting voice didn't make that much of an impression on the English folk scene in the 1970's and Vashti willingly faded into obscurity to raise her children and live a pretty normal life. 

Fast-forward nearly 30 years and the world [myself included] discovers Vashti's sweet voice once again. This time it made the impact she was hoping for all those years ago, unbeknownst to her. Here collected are 29 singles and demos recorded during the 1960's, over about 3 years. Stand out track and how I was introduced Train Song really climbed inside me and hasn't left in years. Vashti' popularity has allowed her to record 2 new records since 2005, which will eventually make their way here. Pour a drink and take this for a spin.

Some Things Just Stick in Your Mind – Singles and Demos 1964 to 1967

Shakey Graves - Roll the Bones (2011)

 

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Every few years you'll come across an album that speaks to you on a level that you can't quite explain. You'll carry it around with you, visiting it less and less as time goes on, but it's always there when you need it most. That's how I feel about Roll the Bones. I've been jamming this for the better half of 10 years. It jammed packed full of folksy blues, country tinged almost love songs with just the right amount of cynicism that'll keep pulling you back in for more. Visit his page and explore a bit. He's grown as an artist and musician since this effort, however this is still my all time favorite.

Roll the Bones

Standard Grey & km: (2019)

 

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Muzan Editions has been releasing a series of amazing drone/ambient albums for the better half of 4 years now. This collection presents 4 beautiful tracks, originally released on a 100 tape run in the winter of 2019. Side A features Standard Grey’s 25 minute mind-melting trip that helps dissolve any problem you thought you were experiencing. Side B shows km:’s scattered brained 3 track noise experiments, that further help you to forget those troubles.

There were a number of tapes released during the winter of 2019 that are all worth mentioning, and will eventually make their way here. The collection has long since been sold out, and it’s easy to see why. Their bandcamp does offer a name your price, so if you’re feeling the tracks go on and slide over there and check the label out. It’s well worth the time for lovers of ambient/drone.

Standard Grey / km:

Blood Incantation - Hidden History of the Human Race (2019)

 

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This shit kicks from front to back. Banging ass death metal from Denver, this is the quartet's most ambitious project yet. Flooded with driving solos and extended passages or what they like to refer to as cosmic soundscapes, this record rose to instant classic status before it was even released. Let this record blast through those winter chills. 

Hidden History of the Human Race

Timber Timbre - Hot Dreams (2014)

 

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There's nothing more pleasing then cruising at night with the sounds of this album drifting out of your speakers. It has some interesting freak-out moments, some spooky psych, and a whole lot of rock 'n' roll. I'm obsessed with the title track and the horns. They create a lot of tension on what could only be described as a twisted love song. Get this, dim the lights, and take that trip.

Hot Dreams

Ghost - Ghost (1990)

 

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Keeping in tune with yesterday's post, I'd like to introduce those of you whom haven't had the pleasure of experiencing Japan's Ghost just yet. What a great trip you will have with this record. Freak-outs, into meditative chanting, into free jazz explorations, into fuzzed-out psych, this record has it all. Their history is just as interesting. Performing in Buddhist temples, to squatting in abandoned train stations in Tokyo, Ghost seems to move through time at their own will. I enjoyed this record the most during  late-night listens. 

Ghost

Ryuichi Sakamoto - Thousand Knives (of) (1978)

 

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Here be Sakamoto's debut, right before his career with YMO exploded. Speaking of, Sakamoto has had one of the most interesting careers, to date. He's credited as the Godfather of Techno & Hip-Hop, an Olympic opening composer, and even worked with some big name pop stars, like David Sylvian, Fennesz, and even acted alongside David Bowie, just to name a few. Here on Sakamoto's debut [styled Thousand Knives, Thousand Knives of, and 千のナイ] he shows his absolute love for all things moog. It feels a little dated at times, but still so refreshing. The guitar work all over this album is amazing. Give it a whirl. 

Thousand Knives (of)

Prince Far I - Dub to Africa (1979)

 

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A collection of dancehall tunes by one of Kingston's more prolific deejays. This is Prince Far I's 8th studio release, and my introduction to him. Working his way from a guard to a bouncer, and finally a deejay and producer, Price Far I had quite an impressive decade from the mid-70's through early 80's until his untimely death in 1983. Minor introductions at the beginning of each track, but other than that it's just straight dancehall gems. Take it for a spin. 

Dub to Africa

Jóhann Jóhannsson - Orphée (2016)

 

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There's a certain amount of mourning with this recording. From the stark cover, to the opening theme, everything feels very sorrowful; almost resigning to an end of things. Everything requires an ending. Most are bittersweet, while some things you wished had ended sooner, and a small amount you wished had never happened at all. The cold weather is setting in now, followed by the snow. Every evening is now beginning at 3 PM. The sun is shinning, but from behind a dark cloud. We are healing. Slowly, and with pain, but just a little while longer before we can go back outside and start living again. This is absolutely the soundtrack in Illinois right now.   

Orphée

The Jesus & Mary Chain - Psychocandy (1985)

 

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If the lights are too bright, and the world is too loud, nurse your hangover with The Jesus & Mary Chain's debut album. It's chock-full of shoegazy jams with pop sensibilities that will help ease your pounding brains, and shrink them back down to an tolerable size. Click the link and spin this album. Start your year off right.

Psychocandy