While each Grails album uses instrumental rock as a means to explore a vast record collection’s worth of influences, none have done so with the subtlety and focus put into each track of this latest offering, allowing us to see the intangible essence of their sound more clearly than ever.
Grails – Chalice Hymnal Read More »
Taking a detour from his usual loner-droner psych folk style, Ben Chasney enlists former Comets on Fire bandmates to jam some heavy rock burners with a a cosmic amount of electric guitar shredding, evoking Neil Young & Crazy Horse blasting off on a rocket. The new electric energy brought to this album is balanced out by an equal amount of the fingerpicking prog-folk and meditative acoustic ballads that have been developing in his music since the 90’s. While I will always love his more melancholy, nocturnal records that sound like he’s lost in a forest somewhere, I welcome the fiery energy of Ascent.
Six Organs of Admittance – Ascent Read More »
While living in London I had an apartment with a small garden. During he summer around 4 or 5 o’clock in the morning, just as the day began, Birds would gather here one by one and sing together, each declaring its freedom in song. It is my wish to share the same spirit with other musicians and communicate it to the people. -Dave Holland
Dave Holland Quartet – Conference of the Birds Read More »
Album Information: Released in 2017 on Blue Chopsticks Records (Imprint of Drag City Records) Eli Keszler – Drums, Percussion (Tracks 1,2,4) Jan St. Werner – Electronics (1,4) Nate Woolley – Trumpet (1,2,4,6,7) Recorded by Mitch Rackin at the Seaside Lounge, Brooklyn, Jan-Mar 2017 Mastered by Douglas Henderson Cover Art: Albert Oehlen Back Photo: Tom Van
David Grubbs – Creep Mission Read More »
Brian Eno and German kosmiche duo Cluster collaborate on a spacey synthesizer album with diverse moods, including peaceful ambient swells, sinister sequencers, industrial drum machine grooves, and suspenseful piano motifs. The release is mostly instrumental but Eno songs sparingly on a couple tracks. The last track features Can’s Holger Czukay playing some pulsing, harmonic bass grooves
Eno, Roedelius, Moebius – After the Heat Read More »
Album Information: Released in 2011 on Partisan Records Produced by Emil Amos Jeff Stuart Saltzman recorded tracks B1, B3, B5 and mixed track A2. Ash Black Buffalo – Synths on A1, B1, B4 and B5 All other instruments by Emil Amos A3 written by The Troggs Recommended Tracks: Slow Days, Look of Pain!, Reckless Liberation
Holy Sons – Survivalist Tales Read More »
Album Information: Released in 1967 on Takoma Records Includes 15-page book of stories and song notes
John Fahey – Volume 6: Days Have Gone By Read More »
Country-tinged love songs that feel like a continuation of Harvest
Neil Young – Comes a Time Read More »
Czech bassist Miroslav crafts some flashy jazz funk with Herbie Hancock, percussionist Airto Moreira, vocalists Cheryl Grainger & Onike, and rotating drummers James Gadson and Jack DeJohnette (Gadson for the funkier/disco oriented tracks and DeJohnette on the fewer more psychedelic cuts). Thanks to generous synth overdubbing by Miroslav and Herbie, each track is incredibly spacey and great for a headphone listen.
Miroslav Vitous – Magical Shepherd Read More »
Meditative jazz explorations of space, rhythm and textures inspired by Miles Davis’ ambient jazz pieces, Gnawa ceremonial music of North Africa, the spiritual jazz of Pharoah Sanders and Don Cherry, and the mutating minimalism of Steve Reich.
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Joshua Abrams & Natural Information Society – Magnetoception Read More »
Sludgy drone-metal with heavy, feedback-laden guitars, sparse but viscerally pounding drums, and cathartic, impassioned vocals.
FFO Neurosis, Swans, Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Sunn O)))
This double album set is recommended to anyone looking for extremely primal, complex punk rap with a wide range of influences, including industrial hip-hop, IDM, math rock, noise, and psychedelic rock. Fans of experimental, aggressive hip-hop like Dälek or Public Enemy will probably really dig this, as will fans of math rock for the extremely innovative musicianship and intricate interplay of Death Grips’/Hella’s Zack Hill and Tera Melos’ Nick Reinhart (who plays on 5 of the tracks).
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Death Grips – The Powers that B Read More »
Album Information: Released on Milestone Records in 1972
McCoy Tyner – Sahara Read More »
Album Information: Released in 2009 on Downtown Music Exposion originally released in 2008 and is included as a bonus LP Origin: Austin, TX Format: LPx2
White Denim – Fits/Exposion Read More »
Album Information: Released in 2002 on Nonesuch Records Produced by Wilco Mixed by Jim O’Rourke Recorded at the Loft, Chicago Format: 180g LPx2, includes CD
Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot Read More »
After two decades of challenging the system, expanding, and breaking through musical boundaries, New Jersey’s Dälek have distilled their experimental approaches to hip-hop into their most streamlined release yet. Endangered Philosophies exhibits distorted washes of sound, old-school turntablism, and MC Dälek’s insightful political diatribes over pounding boom-bap beats. Influenced by My Bloody Valentine, industrial music, Sunn O)), and the Bomb Squad
Dälek – Endangered Philosophies Read More »
Album Information: Originally released in 1993 on Creation Records This pressing was manufactured in 2011 by Music on Vinyl for Sony Music
Slowdive – Soulvaki Read More »
Album Information: Released in 1967 on Takoma Records This album was originally released on 100 copies in 1959, but was re-recorded in 1967 for this issue This album is included in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry for being considered culturally significant.
John Fahey – Volume 1: Blind Joe Death Read More »
Album Information: Originally released in 1996 on Duophonic Records This pressing was released in 2013 on 1972 Records Produced by John McEntire & the Groop Recorded in London and Chicago Format: LPx2
Stereolab – Emperor Tomato Ketchup Read More »
18 years after their last album, golden-era hip-hop legends A Tribe Called Quest return with a fresh, progressive take on their signature sound. Featuring André 3000, Talib Kweli, Anderson Paak, Kendrick Lamar, and Busta Rhymes
A Tribe Called Quest – “We Got It From Here… Thank You 4 Your Service” Read More »
Shakti means “Creative Intelligence, Beauty & Power” and trust me, these are all in abundance on these devotional jazz ragas. Featuring John McLaughlin joined by a quartet of Indian master musicians, this album is a blissfully uplifting and meditative release.
Shakti – Shakti with John McLaughlin Read More »
In this energizing exploration of Hindustani classical music from a jazz perspective, John McLaughlin joins a virtuosic trio of Indian musicians who inspire some of the most impassioned and impressive playing of his career. His acoustic guitar shredding veers close to the bendy sounds of the sitar and fits nicely with the dense web of percussion created by Vikku Vinayakram and Zakir Hussain. Violinist Lakshiminarayana Shankar’s emotive themes and fiery solos make him a perfect foil to McLaughlin.
Shakti – Natural Elements Read More »
“Recorded in an old wooden barn, this second album is swaddled in twilight autumnal ambiance. While the record is bookended by the band’s awesome psych-rock explosions, much of the material here shows increased referencing of jazz influences (modal horns, brushed percussion) and a more organic deployment of micro-electronics. Raw and polished, visceral and cerebral, the band combines rock and jazz traditions of space music with the ‘instrumental’ potentials of mixing room to present a true gem of a record.” (Press Release)
Do Make Say Think – Goodbye Enemy Airship, The Landlord is Dead Read More »
A psychedelic, transcendent fusion of hip-hop, jazz, prog, and IDM meant to simulate the cosmic experience of death. Featuring Kendrick Lamar, Thundercat, Herbie Hancock, Kamasi Washington, Snoop Dogg, and others..,
Flying Lotus – You’re Dead Read More »
Guitar-genius Mdou Moctar visits Portland, Oregon from his home country of Niger to record a hypnotic solo album of desert folk sung in Tamasheq. Most songs consist of intricate fingerstyle acoustic guitar with occasional electric guitar overdubs to accent the melodies.
Mdou Moctar – Sousoume Tamache Read More »
Album Information: Released on Palace Records in 1999
Bonnie “Prince” Billy – I See a Darkness Read More »
A fingerpicking folk odyssey that traverses through passages of delicate piano motifs, tribal drum circles, meditative ambience, celebratory horn arrangements, reverent organ drones, and even a cathartic drum solo, all within a single 40 minute track.
Jim O’Rourke – The Visitor Read More »
Soft Machine’s second album is an eclectic suite packed full of whimsical psychedelia, Dadaist detours, complex prog structures and jazz-inspired musicianship.
Soft Machine – Volume Two Read More »
Styles: Post-Rock
Moods: Autumnal, Focused, Hypnotic, Contemplative, Warm, Driving, Soothing
Musical Qualities: Instrumental, Atmospheric, Melodic
Do Make Say Think – Other Truths Read More »
Styles: Noise Pop, Art Rock, Neo-Psychedelia, Math-Pop
Moods: Playful, Cryptic, Energetic, Eclectic, Colorful, Angular, Tangled, Deconstructed
Musical Qualities: Uncommon Time Signatures, Catchy, Flux Tempo, Dynamic, Riffs, Progressive
Deerhoof – Friend Opportunity Read More »
“Classic creative bop melodies and golden era beat memories woven into a vibrant new thread of psychedelic soul jazz”
Jeff Parker – The New Breed Read More »
“The music in this album is dedicated to creating a better world; a world without war and killing, without racism, without poverty and exploitation; a world where men of all governments realize the vital importance of life and strive to protect it rather than destroy it. We hope to see a new society of enlightenment and wisdom where creative thought becomes the dominant force in all people’s lives” – Charlie Haden
Charlie Haden – Liberation Music Orchestra Read More »
Progressive alt-rock that prioritizes dynamics and atmosphere over flashy solos or superfluous complexity. Recommended for fans of Oceansize, Deftones, Mogwai, or the last two Isis albums.?
Kaleidoscopic pop driven by round, groovy bass locked in with funky, motorik drumming, all floating through layers of swirling, delayed guitars, shimmering synths, and dreamy vocals. Recommended to anyone looking for a smooth, sugary middle ground between Stereolab, Toro y Moi, and Neu!
Vinyl Williams – Into Read More »
Godspeed’s last album before their 10 year hiatus was produced by the legendary Steve Albini, resulting in what might be their heaviest and most direct album to date. Coming off the heels of September 11th, Yanqui U.X.O. seems to be a reaction against the ramped up military-industrial complex and its promotion of fear and xenophobia, as well as protesting Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. The back cover even goes as far as connecting each major record label to some type of weapons manufacturer.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor – Yanqui U.X.O. Read More »
Charming 70’s AM Pop vibes with elaborate string and horn arrangements and a jazzy rhythm section, including the legendary Brian Blade on drums. Great songwriting from Sam Beam, as usual.
Iron & Wine – Ghost on Ghost Read More »
Blue Afternoon continues the flowing jazz-folk of Tim’s previous release (Happy Sad) while starting to detour into the avant-garde atmospheres that would manifest more fully on his next two albums, Lorca and Starsailor. The songs and lyrics refuse to be boxed into one category as “joyful” or “lonely” or “sad” and instead reflect the intangible multi-dimensionality of feeling.
Tim Buckley – Blue Afternoon [4menwithbeards] Read More »
Jazz Fusion-inflected Folk Rock with poetic lyricism, ethereal atmospheres, spacey synths, and a lot of fretless bass.
Joni Mitchell – The Hissing of Summer Lawns Read More »
An anxious, eccentric celebration of the mundane informed by post-punk, noise, no wave, and drone.
Ought – More Than Any Other Day Read More »
On his Warp Records debut, the eccentric rapper crafts an album of shadowy hip-hop that expresses a unique creative vision. His bipolar, extremely personal lyrics fluctuate from paranoid agoraphobia and self-deprecating reflection to uninhibited hedonism and braggadocios swagger, sometimes in the course of a couple lines. Highly recommended for fans of Busdriver, Aesop Rock and other psychedelic hip-hop artists
Danny Brown – Atrocity Exhibition Read More »
Psychedelic, cosmic country with a raw emotional core.
Sturgill Simpson – Metamodern Sounds in Country Music Read More »
An introspective, instrumental journey of pastoral fingerstyle guitar, occasionally joined by piano, synth and horn arrangements
Jim O’Rourke – Bad Timing Read More »
Style: Art Rock, Ambient (Side B)
Moods: Manic, Cryptic, Surreal, Alienation, Anxious, Abstract, Lonely, Futuristic
Musical Qualities: Studio-as-an-Instrument, Groovy, Atmospheric
“Sometimes it’s hard doing anything”. Somehow Jason Molina knows how to perfectly express what depression feels like without ever succumbing to hopelessness. His music has been a friend and a voice of encouragement when I need it most, reminding me to persist and not beat myself up when I feel unproductive or lazy or unmotivated. “The real truth about it is no one gets it right. The real truth about it is we’re all supposed to try”
Songs: Ohia – The Magnolia Electric Co Read More »
For fans of eclectic psych rock, communal freakfolk celebrations, and references to Kurt Vonnegut and Pharoah Sanders
Akron/Family – S/T II: The Cosmic Birth and Journey of Shinju TNT Read More »
Soothing, cosmic drones constructed with tape loops, synths, organs, guitar, mellotron and flute.
Bitchin Bajas – Bitchitronics Read More »
A dense fog you can sink into and never want to leave…Glacial, enveloping waves of sound meticulously sculpted from processed organs, piano, and distorted guitar feedback.
Tim Hecker – Harmony in Ultraviolet Read More »
A cohesive, intimate collection of chamber pop songs, ornate with colorful arrangements, lush production, and some bluesy guitar licks.
Style: Soul, Singer/Songwriter
Moods: Conscious, Spiritual, Passionate, Uplifting, Bittersweet, Christian, Peaceful, Political, Sentimental, Warm
Musical Qualities: Lush, Groovy, Lyrical, Suite, Melodic
Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On Read More »
Style: Chamber Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Brit-Folk
Moods: Rainy, Melancholy, Sombre, Intimate, Peaceful, Lonely, Contemplative, Pastoral, Mellow
Nick Drake – Five Leaves Left Read More »
Somber ambient-folk with layers of delicate, circular fingerpicking and sparse arrangements of droning harmonium, piano, guitar feedback and the occasional chirping crickets. The soft reverb dampens everything like a light drizzle over the American prairie
Western Skies Motel – Settlers Read More »
Recorded at Royal Albert Hall in 1966
Format: 2xLP Box Set, 200g, Includes 12″ 20-page booklet of photos and essays
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Folk-Rock
Mood: Cryptic, Poetic, Reflective, Bittersweet, Rebellious, Romantic, Surreal, Intimate
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Live, Melodic, Simple, Raw, Solo (LP1), Acoustic (LP1)
Bob Dylan – Live 1966: The “Royal Albert Hall” Concert (Bootleg Series Vol. 4) Read More »
Style: American Primitive Guitar, Folk
Moods: Joyful, Warm, Playful, Summer, Contemplative, Rootsy, Pastoral, Nature, Loner
Musical Qualities: Solo, Acoustic, Fingerstyle, Instrumental, Technical
Leo Kottke – 6 & 12-String Guitar Read More »
Primitivist acoustic guitar instrumentals in the form of droney ragas, jovial ragtime, and pastoral fingerpicking
Jack Rose – Opium Musick Read More »
The debut LP from this unpretentious songwriters’ songwriter offers a quality collection of warm & uplifting songwriting with economic guitar genius and top-notch rootsy arrangements, featuring the heavenly, dreamy reflections of “Magnolia”.
J.J. Cale – Naturally Read More »
Unlike Molina’s work with Songs: Ohia or Magnolia Electric Co, this sparse, weary record is void of guest musicians or overdubs, leaving his words alone with nothing but a damp bed of reverbed guitar or mournful, sustained piano chords supporting them.
Jason Molina – Pyramid Electric Co. Read More »
Jazzy Folk-Rock with dynamic songwriting, passionate vocals, and acoustic shredding accompanied by fluid drums, watery vibraphones, distorted keys and groovy upright bass. FFO Astral Weeks, Joni Mitchell, John Martyn, and Tim Buckley
Ryley Walker – Primrose Green Read More »
organic washes of piano and zither, analog synthesizers, wood flutes, saxophone, and the occasional free jazz drums recorded, looped, and manipulated through cassette and reel tape recorders and then masterfully woven into a cosmic tapestry of blissful, meditative drones
Botany – Deepak Verbera Read More »
The past, present, and future of jazz converge on this progressive new release from the legendary drummer Jack DeJohnette, who’s played on everything from Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew to albums with Keith Jarrett, Alice Coltrane, Freddie Hubbard, and numerous other masters since the late 60?s. Joining him are two descendants of the classic John Coltrane Quartet, Ravi Coltrane on tenor and soprano sax and Matthew Garrison (son of Jimmy Garrison) on electric bass and electronics. Rather than dwell in the shadows of their fathers, these two have already developed their own powerful and unique voices which are welcome additions to the jazz lineage.
Jack DeJohnette – In Movement Read More »
This album is full of energetic, psych-prog maximalism that occasionally settles down into (relatively) slowed down, spacious grooves. I recommend this to fans of The Mars Volta or anyone looking for a manic blend of psych, prog, fusion, punk and latin influences.
Omar Rodriguez-López – Xenophanes [Review] Read More »
I highly recommend this album to any nocturnal recluses looking for a shadowy singer-songwriter to listen to during their next existential crisis. Emil’s experimental blend of hi- and lo-fi recording methods and tasteful use of psychedelic atmospheres allow his strong songwriting to take precedent, while simultaneously offering plenty of new textures to discover with each subsequent listen. Diverse range of influences include Indian classical, psychedelic rock, drone, folk, dub…the list goes on.
Holy Sons – The Fact Facer [Review] Read More »
“Day of Mangoes” is overstimulation at it’s finest. Just imagine floating down a river through an unexplored tropical paradise where every corner brings a new array of colorful sounds. Warm synths gliding over clunking piano give way to chorus-drenched highlife guitars strumming over thick synth basslines. Manipulated vocal samples emerge from nowhere and then disappear into radio static just as quickly…RIYL: Animal Collective, King Sunny Ade, & Madlib
Dead Recipe – Day of Mangoes [Review] Read More »
A couple of months before his death in 1967, John Coltrane went into the studio with drummer Rashied Ali to record some of the most free recordings he’s ever made, the freest of free jazz. Perhaps this freeness is due to the absence of other tonal instruments, leaving Coltrane untethered to harmony and 100% free to play whatever raw, unhindered creativity flows through him.
John Coltrane – Interstellar Space [Review] Read More »
Style: Art Pop, Trip-Hop, Experimental Electronic
Vibe: Breakup, Passionate, Heartfelt, Personal, Intense, Futuristic
Musical Qualities: Orchestral, Glitchy, Lush, Digital Beats
[Click for full review]
