Drakonis - Blessed By Embers (2020)

 

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In between the hollow shrieks and blast beats you will hear faint ethereal voices, calling you towards the light, protecting you from the dark. That's the theme I feel when listening to this album. 

Blessed By Embers

The Tiger Lillies - The Devil's Fairground (2018)

 

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Over the years every single person I've ever played this group for has had but a single and common complaint, Martyn's vocals annoy the shit out of them. That's unfortunate. I think his voice fits neatly into every song they've crafted. As those years progressed, I've watched the Tiger Lillies continue to produce amazing, high quality music all the while smiling in face paint. Annoying voice or not, this trio puts on an amazing show. This record deserves a nice glass of wine and a joint. Enjoy the music, it's been a good week.

The Devil's Fairground

Paul McCartney - Ram (1971)

 

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For his 2nd solo record Paul wrote some of his catchiest and in my opinion, best material. Despite backlash and shotty critics handing out poor ratings, I think this record stands up pretty well, even 50+ years after its release. Each track is carefully constructed and catchy enough to get stuck in your head for weeks. My personal favorites are Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey, Ram On, and his most playful tune on the record, Monkberry Moon Delight. 

Ram

Venom Prison - Erebos (2022)

 

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I was introduced to this band in late 2019 with their album Samsara, which I promptly ignored for almost a full year, before giving it a spin. I will admit that I slept on this group for the longest. I tend to avoid hype and steer clear of anything the internet has to say about what's good and what's not. Fortunately this time the hype was real. Their sound blends so many extreme labels that I refuse to limit them with a discription. I will say that this new release has a big, fat ass sound that completely enveloped me so much so that I easily listened to this record 3 times the day I got it. Grab a pair of noise cancelling headphones and dedicate a deep listen to this record. 

Erebos

Public Image Ltd - Flowers of Romance (1981)

 

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There's much fuss about PiL's 3rd offering. Some referring to it as the most uncommercial album ever delivered to  record company. Well, they should've waited a few years for that gem to actually arrive. I’m sure Johnny boy didn’t give a fuck. Personally, I find this set to be the most approachable out of PiLs entire catalog. The sound is percussion heavy, and sometimes even droning, but so pleasing. I hear an old rumor from a slightly refutable source that at some point during the recording, the band used anything they could get their hands on as an instrument. From a dirty wet box, to beat-up suitcase. But who cares? The record jams and it's obvious by how much fun they're having. Just look at the cover. Spin it, you'll be pleased. 

Flowers of Romance

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

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

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

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

Beth Gibbons and Rustin Man - Out of Season (2002)

 

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I grabbed this album for $1 from the famed Reckless Records in Chicago my freshman year of college. Sadly, it was dumped in the discount bin. I ran back to my apartment and promptly listened to this album 3 times that night. Beth's voice is both sultry and inviting, however on this album it feels to me very mournful. In this collection, her voice very briefly touches on the strength she shows with Portishead,  and often times is low, almost at a whisper. I like how intimate the set feels, like you're there in the room with them. Put this on, dim the lights, roll up, and relax. 

Out of Season

Aidan Baker / Faith Coloccia / Jon Mueller - See Through (2019)

 

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Here be a collection of minimalist electronic jams, aimed at relaxing your soul and helping you take that journey away from everyday stressors. I've managed to listen to this album 3 times today and enjoyed it each time. Pulsing drums that aren't too heavy, lush ethereal voices that float through the tracks, and beautifully layered drones that build a wall of sound, protecting you from the bullshit outside. Kick back, twist up, and enjoy.

See Through

Cocteau Twins - Garlands (1982)

 

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Anytime I hear this record it reminds me of my grandfather's house. He had a pair of love birds that would coo just like Fraser does all over this album. While her voice is sweet, and hypnotic, and most inviting, those fucking birds irritated the shit out of me. But while this spins, by the time I've reached Grail Overfloweth, I've forgotten about those birds. 

Garlands

Jesu - Terminus (2020)

 
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Oh so many feels wrapped neatly in a 52 minute set of beautiful, hazy 'pop songs' that are exactly what the doctor ordered on these cold rainy nights. There are a few slow burners here to help you relax and meditate on just how absolutely fucking weird this year has been. But! we're here, and we're healthy, and for that I am thankful. 

Terminus

The La's - The La's (1990)

 

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I listen to this record at least 3 times a month. It's a pleasant slice of 90's alternative music that's filled jangly guitars, good vocal harmonies, and a bit of psychedelia sprinkled throughout. My absolute favorite track on this record is Freedom Song. It has a very Mojo Risin vibe and makes me want to smoke loads of weed in a park with my Wife on a glorious summer's day. 

The La's

:zoviet*france: - Mohnomishe (1983)

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Presented here is a slow bubbling collection of ambient tracks, bordering on noise, madness, and sometimes uneasy feelings. It is so incredibly easy to get lost listening to this album, especially if you're sitting in your own living room. It's a deep listening experience to say the least. This revolving group of nerdy, mostly English chaps make some strange, sometimes dark ambient madness. Besides the music itself being pretty unconventional and hard to pigeonhole, their packaging for releases is also strange as well. Instead of standard printed cardstock/cardboard presentations, the group insist upon handcrafting original works of art on a smallish scale. Opting for using a variety of screen-printed materials, sometimes yarn or thread, dyed muslin and other fabrics, which I feel adds an evermore outsider aesthetic. Reissues opted for easier reproduction and more commercial friendly methods, which is cool too. Grab this, strap yourself into your favorite assgroove and blast off!

Mohnomishe

Æternum Infinitus ‎– .​-​. . .​-​-​. . .​-​.​. .​-​.​. .- -. - / Repellent (2018)

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Heavy drones and aggressive blown-out vocals. I would suggest wearing a decent pair of over-the-ear headphones and burning a jay before taking this trip. It's a deep one.

.​-​. . .​-​-​. . .​-​.​. .​-​.​. .- -. - / Repellent

With the Dead - Love from With the Dead (2017)

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Heavy is the best word to use for this album. Crunch is another good word. Oh, and chug-a-lug, if I can get away with that. This is the 2nd effort by extreme metal supergroup With the Dead. Chock-full of hazy stoner trips, including album closer and their longest recorded track to date. Take this one for a walk, it's a fun trip.

Love from With the Dead

Banha da Cobra - Mãe D'Água (2019)

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Single track live experimental soundscapes. Feels like you're in the jungle. Worth a listen.

Mãe D'Água