Edith Frost – Wonder Wonder
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Alt-Country, Slowcore
Moods: Reflective, Sentimental, Rural, Lonely, Melancholy, Twangy, Romantic, Longing, Contemplative, Depressive, Heartfelt, Introspective, Love, Rootsy
Steve Albini
Don Caballero – For Respect
Style: Math Rock, Noise Rock, Post-Hardcore
Moods: Aggressive, Driving, Menacing, Angsty, Muscular, Heavy, Angular, Moody, Ominous, Powerful, Focused
Musical Qualities: Riffs, Instrumental, Uncommon Time Signatures, Dissonant, Noisy, Rhythmic, Repetitive
Magnolia Electric Co. – Josephine
While Magnolia Electric Co’s final record is still tinged with the weariness & melancholy that pervades all of Jason Molina’s previous work, Josephine also feels imbued with vital life force, bittersweet romance, and hopefulness that make it uplifting despite the odds.
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Recommended if you dig dobro & lap steel, ditch-trilogy Neil young, and autumnal contemplation
Helen Money – Arriving Angels
Released in 2013 on Corpse Flower Records Format: LP, Orange Vinyl Limited to 300 copies, 215/300
Magnolia Electric Co. – What Comes After the Blues
“Human hearts and pain should never be separate, then they wouldn’t tear themselves apart both trying to fit”. The first album under the Magnolia Electric Co. name touches on the loneliness and depression of much of Jason Molina’s work, but it also contains a fair amount of the hope, light, and perseverance one needs in times of struggle. The musicians here were recorded live in a room by the great Steve Albini, featuring slide guitar, fiddle, and beautiful vocal harmonies from Molina’s band members. With its mix of melancholy Americana, country-tinged rock, and stripped back folk, What Comes After the Blues feels like a continuation of Neil Young’s great ditch trilogy.
Om – God is Good
Released in 2009 on Drag City Format: LP Recorded by Steve Albini at Electrical Audio, Chicago, March 2009
Neurosis – Times of Grace
The apocalyptic sounds of spiritual warfare.
Om – Pilgrimage
Album Information: Released in 2007 on Southern Lord Records Produced by Steve Albini and Om Recorded and mixed by Steve Albini at Electrical Audio, Chicago, Illinois, June 2007. This Pressing: LP, rust-colored vinyl limited to 1000, includes foldout poster
Godspeed You! Black Emperor – Yanqui U.X.O.
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.