Cluster – Cluster II
Originally released in 1972 on Brain Records 2007 Lilith Reissue Format: LP, CD
Cluster – Cluster II Read More »
Originally released in 1972 on Brain Records 2007 Lilith Reissue Format: LP, CD
Cluster – Cluster II Read More »
LP, R&S Records, 2016 Recorded 2007-2015
nonkeen – Oddments of the Gamble Read More »
Released in 1968 on Takoma Records Format: LP
John Fahey – The New Possibility Read More »
Album Information: Originally released in 1966 on Blue Note Records Recorded May 19, 1966 1973 Reissue Format: LP Personnel: Cecil Taylor – Piano Alan Silva – Upright Bass Henry Grimes – Upright Bass Andrew Cyrille – Drums Jimmy Lyons – Alto Saxophone Eddy Gale Stevens, Jr. – Trumpet Ken McIntyre – Alto Saxophone, Oboe, Bass
Cecil Taylor – Unit Structures Read More »
Originally released in 1996 on Thrill Jockey Records 2017 Reissue on clear vinyl Format:: LP
Trans Am – Trans Am Read More »
Originally released in 1958 on World Pacific Records 1963 Pressing Format: LP
Ravi Shankar – India’s Master Musician Read More »
Released in 2017 on Constellation Records Format: LPx2, etching on side D
Do Make Say Think – Stubborn Persistent Illusions Read More »
LPx2, 45rpm, Relapse Records Style: Space Rock, Progressive Electronic Vibe: Sci-Fi, Driving, Futuristic, Spacey, Motorik, Focused, Muscular, Cinematic, Ominous Musical Qualities: Rhythmic, Instrumental, Repetitive, Odd Time Signatures, Technical, Dynamic Instrumentation: Analogue Synthesizers, Drums, Electric Bass
Zombi – Shape Shift Read More »
Released in 1971 on Columbia Recorded Feb-April 1970 Format: LP
Miles Davis – A Tribute to Jack Johnson Read More »
Released in 2017 on Young Turks Format: 12″ EP
Kamasi Washington – Harmony of Difference Read More »
Innovative guitarist and producer Dave Harrington (Darkside) uses his latest record to explore the outer reaches of improvisation and compositional post-production. Pure Imagination, No Country is jazz-rock fusion stripped of its retro connotations—fusing hard grooves, free flights of collective improvisation, and futuristic ambience to create something that is at turns atmospheric and in your face.
Recommended for fans of Bill Frisell, Terje Rypdal, or Jaga Jazzist
Dave Harrington Group – Pure Imagination, No Country Read More »
Released in 2018 on International Anthem Recording Co. Format: LPx2
Makaya McCraven – Universal Beings Read More »
Released in 2011 on Temporary Residence Format: LPx2, etching on D-side
Explosions in the Sky – Take Care, Take Care, Take Care Read More »
Released in 1966 on Impulse Records Original Pressing Format: LP
John Coltrane – Ascension (Edition II) Read More »
Released in 2008 on Arduna Records Format: LP
Activities of Dust – Activities of Dust Read More »
Washes of piano, harp, and other ephemeral sonic artifacts float through Ledesma’s peaceful, almost static atmospheres like a night breeze through the quiet woods.
Jefre Cantu-Ledesma – Tracing Back the Radiance Read More »
Style: Free Bop, Avant-Garde Jazz
Vibe: Kinetic, Joyful, Energetic, Playful, Passionate, Colorful,
Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Harmolodic, Rhythmic, Swing, Acoustic, Instrumental, Technical
The Ornette Coleman Quartet – This is Our Music Read More »
Originally released in 1963 on Impulse! Records 1974 reissue, blue/green label Format: LP
Mingus – The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady Read More »
Released in 1967 on Impulse! Records Format: LP
Albert Ayler – In Greenwich Village Read More »
Released in 2012 on Constellation Records Format: LP + 7″
Godspeed You! Black Emperor – ‘Allelujah! Don’t Bend, Ascend Read More »
Released in 2009 on Southern Lord Records Recorded live in 2007 and 2008 Format: LP
Earth – Radio Live Read More »
Self released in 2007 Format: 12″ EP, 45rpm Limited to 250 on brown vinyl
Tera Melos – Drugs to the Dear Youth Read More »
Released in 1979 on Charisma Records Recorded February 1978 Format: LP
Bert Jansch – Avocet Read More »
Released in 1964 on Impulse! records 1997 reissue Format: LP
The John Coltrane Quartet – Crescent Read More »
Released in 1968 on JCOA Records Format: LPx2, includes 12″ booklet
Michael Mantler – The Jazz Composer’s Orchestra Read More »
Released in 1976 on Virgin Records Format: LP
Tangerine Dream – Stratosfear Read More »
Released in 2015 on True Panther Sounds Format: LPx2 Recommended Tracks A1 – Ten Days of Falling (Brooding, Dancey, Dramatic) A3 – Buried (Dark, Brooding, Dancey)
Shlohmo – Dark Red Read More »
Released in 2013 on ATP Recordings Format: LPx2
Fuck Buttons – Slow Focus Read More »
Released in 1968 on Impulse! Records Format: LP
Alice Coltrane – A Monastic Trio Read More »
Released in 201 on Young Turks Format: LP, die cut cover Recommended Tracks A2 – Red Lights (Spacey, Funky, Energetic Grooves ) B1 – Sht Mtn (Spacey, Driving)
Originally released in 2013 on Erased Tapes 2015 VinylMePlease Pressing Format: LPx2
Nils Frahm – Spaces Read More »
Originally released in 1994 on Thrill Jockey Records 2016 reissue Recorded November 29 thru December 5, 1993
Tortoise – Tortoise Read More »
Released in 1971 on Impulse Records Recorded November 25, 1970 and January 12, 1971 Format: LP
Pharoah Sanders – Thembi Read More »
Released in 1997 on Drag City Records Format: LP
Aerial M – Aerial M Read More »
Released in 1977 on Sky Records Format: LP Original German Pressing
Cluster & Eno – Cluster & Eno Read More »
Released in 1978 on ECM Records Recorded December 1977 Format: LP
Jan Garbarek – Places Read More »
While more cerebral than emotive, this live set is a frenzied demonstration of what four virtuosic musicians sound like when they give in to the intuitive whims of collective improvisation. Even when playing a composition, this quartet will stretch and mutate the melody into every possible pattern without ever playing it directly. The group interplay is often bombastic and can be overwhelming, but thankfully they vary the dynamics through mellower sections, as well as solo and duo pieces.
Circle – Paris-Concert Read More »
Released in 2001 on Temporary Residence Recorded in 2000 Format: LP
This hypnotic, noisy, and improvisatory live album from Australian experimenter, collaborator, and improviser Oren Ambarchi features two separate performances of his epic composition “Knots”. (Click for full review)
Oren Ambarchi – Live Knots Read More »
Released in 1972 on Blue Note Records Format: LP
McCoy Tyner – Extensions Read More »
Originally released as 2 separate releases in 1988 and 1989 on Venture Records 2019 Grönland compilation Format: LPx2
David Sylvian & Holger Czukay – Plight & Premonition | Flux & Mutability Read More »
Released in 1996 on Mo Wax Records Format: LPx2
DJ Shadow – Endtroducing Read More »
Released in 1998 on Warp Records Format: LP
Squarepusher – Music is Rotted One Note Read More »
Originally released in 1974 on Brain Records 2015 Grönland Pressing Format: LP, 180g
Harmonia – Musik Von Harmonia Read More »
Originally released in 2009 on Relapse Records 2013 Pressing Format: LPx2
Zombi – Spirit Animal Read More »
Released in 2014 on Southern Lord Recordings Format: LP
Sunn O))) & Ulver – Terrestrials Read More »
LP, Columbia Records, 1960 Original 6-Eye Pressing Second Copy 1974 Pressing
Miles Davis & Gil Evans – Sketches of Spain Read More »
Released in 2001 on Thrill Jockey Records Format: LP
Tortoise – Standards Read More »
Released in 2014 on Innovative Leisure Format: LPx2
Badbadnotgood – III Read More »
Released in 1983 on ECM Format: LP
Jan Garbarek Group – Wayfarer Read More »
Featuring some of Chicago’s finest musicians and founding members of the AACM, (Muhal Richard Abrams, Anthony Braxton, Leroy Jenkins, Richard Davis, Wadada Leo Smith, and Steve McCall), this 36 minute spontaneous composition doesn’t focus on soloing or instrumental technicality or rambunctious improvisIng, but creating and progressing an initially suspenseful, mysterious mood through focused, cohesive movements, with new sounds, moods, and melodies around every corner. Most of the musicians here play multiple instruments to sustain a versatile color palette.
Creative Construction Company – CCC Read More »
Originally released under the title Brown Rice in 1975 1977 pressing on Horizon Records Format: LP
Don Cherry – Don Cherry (aka Brown Rice) Read More »
Released in 1961 on Impulse Records Format: LP
Gil Evans – Out of the Cool Read More »
Released on Capitol Records in 1969 2000 Pressing Format: LP
David Axelrod – Songs of Experience Read More »
Released in 2014 on Drag City Format: LPx2, 45rpm
Om – Advaitic Songs Read More »
Released in 1977 on ECM Records Format: LP, white label promo
Gary Peacock – Tales of Another Read More »
Releases in 1983 on Takoma Records Format: LP
John Fahey – Railroad Read More »
1967 Originally Released in 1965 on Takoma Records 1967 Reissue Format: LP
John Fahey – Volume 3: The Dance of Death & Other Plantation Favorites Read More »
Released in 1966 on Impulse Records Original Pressing
John Coltrane – Meditations Read More »
Originally released in 1999 on Temporary Residence 2016 expanded edition
Tarentel – From Bone to Satellite Read More »
Released in 2011 on Blackest Rainbow Format: LPx2, 180g Ltd. to 750 copies
Natural Snow Buildings – Waves of the Random Sea Read More »
Doug McComb’s first album as Brokeback is imbued with pastoral Impressionism, experimentalism, and a sense of Zen contentment. The record is mostly centered around his Bass VI, a short-scale bass with six strings that is trebly enough to function in both guitar and bass roles. This versatile instrument is usually wet with chorus and reverb that sculpt a fluid, aquatic tone to complement the slow, tranquil melodies. Outside of some solo pieces Doug is joined by a variety of accompaniment including lap steel guitar, synth, upright bass, Rhodes, vocals from Mary Hansen, and light percussion provided by producer/Tortoise bandmate John McEntire. This is a record that can be appreciated from a passive impressionistic standpoint, as well as under the microscopic attention of an engaged ear. (Follow link for full review)
Recommended for fans of Tortoise or Ennio Morricone’s spaghetti Western soundtracks
Brokeback – Field Recordings from the Cook County Water Table Read More »
Released in 1996 on Happy Go Lucky Format: 12″ EP
Trans Am – Illegal Ass Read More »
The third album from the Melbourne (Au) violin/guitar/drum trio consists of loose, drifting instrumentals that conjure images of vast, open plains. Though the music here is often melancholic and lethargic, it is occasionally swept up with bursts of passionate energy and possessed by cathartic longing (especially the pleading and utterly beautiful violin solo on “Warren’s Lament”). All three instrumentalists have very individual styles that complement and dialogue with each other in refreshingly unique ways.
Dirty Three – Horse Stories Read More »
“Side one features a collection of songs performed by a pliant and almost pristine quartet playing songs by Ornette Coleman, Paul Motian, Chris Schlarb, and Shadduck himself, while side two finds Anthony leading a loose, rocking and roiling double quartet performing more obliquely structures pieces and employing a healthy dose of spontaneous improvisation. Both ensembles strike my ear as CLASSIC, spanning the areas of jazz impressionism and edgy-yet-controlled “free jazz” with dedication and distinction.”
[From the liner notes, written by Nels Cline]
Anthony Shadduck – Quartet & Double Quartet Read More »
Pulling away from the jazzy psych-pop of their first two albums, Soft Machine gears towards sprawling sidelong compositions of spacey prog infused with thematic jazz fusion improvisations, compositional edits, and heavy doses of experimental post-production (Click for Full Review)
Soft Machine – Third Read More »
While the music on Zeit feels motionlessly suspended in the empty vastness of space, the music on Phaedra seem to discover a swampy alien planet, Pulsing sequencers, dramatic mellotrons, airy flutes, and sweeping synthesizers are drenched in strange echoes and reverbs to create suspenseful alien soundscapes.
Tangerine Dream – Phaedra Read More »
“Side A is cut at 45rpm and features “Moya”, a broiling cascade of upward scales that repeatedly explodes beyond its own threshold. “BBF3” on Side B clocks in at 18 minutes, and was the band’s most lyrical, multi-movement music to date — more elaborated melodic figures wind around an angry spoken-word field recording (infamously culminating in the recital of the speaker’s poem — verses lifted straight from Iron Maiden)”
Godspeed You Black Emperor! – Slow Riot For New Zero Kanada EP Read More »
“World Music” is often a cheap umbrella term for non-Eurocentric music, but when acoustic guitar shredders Jorge Strunz and Ardeshir Farah, from Costa Rica and Iran respectively, bring together a Cuban rhythm section, South Indian violinist, and Kuwaiti guitarist, the music they create truly does have a sense of cultural unity deserving of the term.
For fans of flamenco, Arabic folk, and acoustic guitar virtuosity
Strunz & Farah – Mosaico Read More »
Released in 2014 on Invada Records Format: LPx2 Tannum Brown vinyl, limited to 1000 copies
Brian Reitzell – Hannibal Season 1 Soundtrack (Vol. 1) Read More »
On Towards Language, Norweigan trumpeter Arve Henriksen creates a blend of meditative and suspenseful ambient-jazz, demonstrating a more soothing side to his playing than his noisier output with electro-acoustic improvisers Supersilent.
Arve Henriksen – Towards Language Read More »
Released in 1977 on RCA Recorded live on a European tour in 1963 Format: LPx2
John Coltrane Quartet – Afro Blue Impressions Read More »
Originally released in 1969 on Columbia Records 1977 Pressing
Miles Davis – In a Silent Way Read More »
Released in 2018 on Kranky Format: LPx2 Track Notes and Observations A1. This Life (Droney, Climactic, Mournful) Synths slowly dancing around each other in a beautiful sadness, Woozy, pitches bend and release in and out of tune Blooming structure, crescendos into overwhelming climax Disintegrates into a ghostly version of itself with high pitch sounds A2.
Tim Hecker – Konoyo Read More »
Dynamic and uplifting house music characterized by filtered drums and enveloping synth textures. With its driving arpeggiations, danceable 4-on-the-floor grooves, hypnotic build-ups, and soothing ambient tracks, Singularity is extremely well-paced, and it’s most beautiful moments full of sublime wonder.
Jon Hopkins – Singularity Read More »
Released in 2004 on Constellation Records Format: LPx2, Side D is blank
Do Make Say Think – Winter Hymn Country Hymn Secret Hymn Read More »
On Automaginary, the Gnawa-inspired cosmic jazz of Natural Information Society is augmented by the flowing textures of Chicago new age trio Bitchin Bajas to create an album of enveloping drones and trance-inducing rhythms. (Follow link for full Review)
Natural Information Society & Bitchin Bajas – Automaginary Read More »
Originally released in 1996 on Thrill Jockey Records 2012 pressing
Tortoise – Millions Now Living Will Never Die Read More »
An acoustic trio of piano, upright bass, and drums utilize creative extended techniques to play evolving minimalist compositions of mutating grooves, polyrhythms, and textures.
Dawn of MIDI – Dysnomia Read More »
Released in 1966 on Blue Note Records 1971 United Artists Repress Format: LP
Herbie Hancock – Maiden Voyage Read More »
Categorization and comparison are the least of lojii’s worries, instead prioritizing creative expression and finding spiritual truth and power in this dimly lit dystopia. He delivers his prophetic words with a focused, unwavering determination, while the beats are gritty and nocturnal with their open percussion, eerie synths, and negative space. Don’t miss out on this one.
Recorded August 19-21, 1969 Originally released in 1970 on Columbia Records 2008 Legacy Pressing Format: LPx2
Miles Davis – Bitches Brew Read More »
Groovy soul instrumentals decorated with sweeping orchestral arrangements, jazz soloing, and psychedelic guitars, all inspired by William Blake’s writings.
David Axelrod – Songs of Innocence Read More »
Lushly cinematic folk-rock draped in sweeping string arrangements and spacey synth atmospheres. Damien’s reverbed falsetto recalls Jim James (My Morning Jacket) and Bon Iver as he softly sings of God, “spaceships”, and other imagery blending Christian themes with science-fiction.
For fans of My Morning Jacket, Band of Horses, and Beck’s Sea Change
Damien Jurado – Brothers and Sisters of the Eternal Son Read More »