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Elekidz - Elekidz's Plasma Horoscope [EP]

2011-12-29T19:05:00.009-07:00

Two song EP from Japan's punk/rock Elekidz.
2011 successor to their only prior full-length 'Elevator Action' (2008). They win me over with their unique transitions/enduring and punchy female vocals, even if my initial impression was something of a corn-blender anime intro/outro. It's a quick go, but worth re-visiting.

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The Log.Os - λόγος

2011-12-14T14:45:00.006-07:00

One lovely Nikko Gray passed this on to me:
New (free) project from Ken Barrientos (aka KenBts.) – producer/engineer/sound-designer for Blu's 'NoYork!', Bilal's 'Levels', Shafiq Husayn's 'En' A-Free-Ka', SA-RA, & J*DaVeY.
Vocals by Nikko Gray & Iman Omari.
*features vocal appearances by Bilal and TY$ (of Ty & Kory)
*features bonus remix of "Levels" by Bilal.

Cool chilldown material, only thing missing is the kaleidoscope.
Nice ethereal blend of beat/soul/electronic.

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Dead Elephant - Thanatology

2011-12-14T14:21:00.004-07:00

Dead Elephant are a doom/post-hardcore/noise trio from Italy.
Drawing influences from artists like Unsane, Cherubs, Jesus Lizard, Ash Ra Tempel and Neurosis, the trio established themselves with their 2005 debut 'Sing the Separation' -- landing them gigs with bands like Lair of the Minotaur and Zu (whose saxophonist contributed to their 2007 album 'Lowest Shared Descent').

Their latest 2011 release is entitled 'Thanatology', and in their words:
'In this order of things life sometimes is cruel. Sometimes we feel caught in a strange trap. The events appear to us as a dark spiral and our destiny is get lost in it. There, it’s very difficult to understand what is right and what is wrong. There, something must burn and you must accept to lose it. From the consciousness that some things must die in order to change is born Thanatology...
Musically the core of the album is represented by the meeting between the Dead Elephant music approach and the funeral march of South Italy.'

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Riddlore? - The West Wing

2011-12-08T16:19:00.004-07:00

Riddlore? is an underground producer/MC/DJ active since 1983. I checked him out after some affiliation with Aceyalone, leading me to his latest 2011 output, 'The West Wing'. The album is Riddlore's? fourth solo full-length, his first release since his self-titled in 2003.

Hoping 'The West Wing' gets some love -- tight production and really unorthodox styles throughout.
Has definitely made me try to track down his previous material.

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13ghosts - Garland of Bottle Flies

2011-11-18T13:28:00.005-07:00

Latest release from Alabama-Man(s) 13ghosts. Features a reworked version of "I Have Brought Fire" from their initial EP 'We Are The Sun' (the song that got me hooked in the first place). All in all some great storytelling and consistency in twang-tinge rock; a handful of my favorites stretching past the five minute mark like "Dr. Bill".

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AFTA-1 - Live At The Loft

2011-10-25T03:53:00.002-06:00

#14 AFTA1 "HeyeLAND" Ft. Nikko Gray from LIVE AT THE LOFT on Vimeo.

[VA] Another Kind of Death/adrift/Moksha/Moho - Waterloo Split

2011-10-13T22:05:00.007-06:00

Underhill Records

Four bands from Spain, including the thunder-scarring adrift. 'Waterloo' was released in 2006 on Underhill Records, who oddly enough put out the speckled and opposite sounds of Lukestar.
Another Kind of Death plays the cores of metal/math -- better the spasm of the latter. For the former there might be some expected chug and glug, but at least four dudes don't break into harmonious dentdowns. They do a good job though of balancing scramz/sangs.
The adrift portion of the EP is what lured me in; the three songs don't disappoint, especially with the crushing "Ramses". The song seems in constant bend on a bone roller coaster, getting shot at by clowns in hot air balloons that are the descendants of druids. The lyrics will probably confirm this. Either way, it's savage as fawk -- the proverbial middle-meat of their tracks.
The Moksha material is more sludgy/punchrawk, which led me to their more impressive 2008 full-length. Moho closes the EP, as sort of a conglomerate of the three bands before them. Probably the sludge-heaviness aligns most similarly to Moksha, but the vocals are more doom and gloom.
Overall a pretty powerful glass of jagged-juice, with adrift bringing the most flavor.

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yodaka

2011-08-25T16:37:00.003-06:00

yodaka were a Japanese post-rock band consisting of Kashiwa Daisuke (Guitar/Programming), Nema Takeshi (Guitar/Synth), Takimoto Nozomu (Bass) and Yamamoto Hironobu (Drums).
This collection of five songs is the only material around (couldn't find a tracklisting or release info), and what it lacks in audio quality it makes up for in...audio quality.
Pretty cool stuff -- Daisuke's programming edge helps give it a unique feel for post-rock.
Def recommend looking into his latest piano-only release too.

+++++++++++

Vakill - Armor of God

2011-08-13T14:27:00.004-06:00

Not return--punishment

Yes! One of my most anticipated hip-hop releases in a spinnin' minute.
Chicago's Vakill returns after a five year inhale, and I know for one am satisfied with the release.
'Armor of God' might even shine through his previous 2006 volley 'Worst Fears Confirmed' that got me semi-stan-status in the first place. Only been able to repeat this once or twice but Vakill comes correct on every track, with easily some of the tightest beats offered from the Molemen and crew.
If you're down with this you're up for rough:

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Mastodon - Black Tongue

2011-08-05T02:42:00.003-06:00

The Hunter (9/27/11):

1. Black Tongue
2. Curl of the Burl
3. Blasteroid
4. Stargasm
5. Octopus Has No Friends
6. All the Heavy Lifting
7. The Hunter
8. Dry Bone Valley
9. Thickening
10. Creature Lives
11. Spectrelight
12. Bedazzled Fingernails
13. The Sparrow

The single for "Black Tongue"; pretty sweet opening track, IMO.
For whatever reason it gave me Killing Joke vibes.

Nine - soN.Y.

2011-07-07T14:37:00.006-06:00

Freshest from Nine, means multiple two to two things at the same time/tape cuttin so deep I'm mixed writing in rhyme.
Keeps getting better. He released another mixtape 'Shot Fired' previous (to 'Quinine') that I can't track down to buy/listen but the singles/stabs for that are tight too. But soN.Y....

'Taking it back, the mother of this RAP SHIT -
You wear a horseshoe nigga - we are the BLACKSMITH'

+++++++++++

Mastodon - Deathbound

2011-06-28T11:04:00.005-06:00

CaN I geT a
LOLZYEAH?!

Death Grips - Ex Military Mixtape

2011-06-13T13:37:00.004-06:00

Death Grips/some of the latest from Zach Hill

DL Hughley

Death Grips - Exmilitary by deathgrips

Ghostface Killah - Clipse of Doom (ft. Trife Da God)

2011-06-06T03:41:00.012-06:00

No version on youtube finishes the final seconds of this song.
*Still amazing.
Apparently the lyrics aren't overdosING on caffeine...
all-for-Ghost ≠ o-veR-Dos(ING)
sniffing (on) ≠ (s)ING(on)

Caffeine.

*The craziest part;
you won't even hear it.

From Fiction - Bloodwork

2011-06-03T16:00:00.004-06:00

From Fiction was a tight four-piece of mathy rock/post-punk from Toronto. They released one album, under the production of Steve Albini, 'Bloodwork', before disbanding later in the same year (2005).
Fans of These Arms Are Snakes, Faraquet, etc., will probably dig.

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Seven That Spells - Black Om Rising

2011-05-20T15:31:00.006-06:00

Seven That Spells are a foundation three-piece of experimental/psych-rock from Croatia.
'Black Om Rising' is their 2008 full-length -- a frenzied and cryptic collision akin to The Psychic Paramount and The Mars Volta; lots of extended grooves, beasty bass, tasteful sax, adjective noun+verb...an energetic and often bombastic rock-warp lined in dark trimming.
They have a pretty robust discography under the radar, (hopefully) calling attention with affiliation/shows with Kawabata Makoto of Acid Mothers Temple.
Their new full-length, 'Death And Resurrection Of Krautrock' is scheduled to come out this month (of the three? releases from them so far this year), releasing the song/video for "AUM" as a little early somN-smthN.

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Buffalo Daughter - The Weapons of Math Destruction

2011-03-24T17:54:00.005-06:00

Latest album from Buffalo Daughter.
This was definitely in my favorites of 2010 -- and probably my favorite release so far from BD.
The vocals on this are just so smooth -- Sugar & Yumiko Ohno bounce back and forth/together so well, and even with the absence of MoOoG (vocally), they gained ex-Cibo Matto vocalist Miho Hatori, who compliments "The Battle Field In My Head"...probably my favorite BD track to date (re: hawt).
Per their person, the album mixes it up fresh track to track -- some angular instrumentals, some skewed beats; just generally the same lovable stylized weirdness that won me over in the first place -- just blown up to bigger proportions.

+++++++++++

Tephra - Tempel

2011-03-24T17:25:00.008-06:00

Latest release from Germany's Tephra.
Expect the same Neu-metal goodness with a bit more variety (vox especially)...pretty solid.
They're back to a four-piece after the keyboard player disbanded.

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Robot Koch - Songs for Trees & Cyborgs

2011-03-24T16:59:00.005-06:00

Raining Bloop

Latest output from Robot Koch, featuring some fam-faces like RQM & 1000names.
Finally got around to digging into this album; probably his most driving diverse directions alliterations.
It's neat(o), IMO.

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Sourface - Social Therapy Vol. 2

2011-03-15T16:25:00.007-06:00

Latest remixes/beats/bangers from m8 Brammers.

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Rival Tribes - Tiger Print

2011-03-01T15:34:00.005-07:00

Rival Tribes are a (studio) three-piece from New York.
They released their six-track EP 'Tiger Print' in February, an energetic surf-sounding/math-mash of experimental rock. Vocals are rare and welcome, sometimes spruced to effects and interjected off the keys. Overall fifteen minutes of cool warping in the sun.

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Bright Eyes - The People's Key

2011-01-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

NPR

The Psychic Paramount - II

2011-01-12T20:41:00.004-07:00

The Psychic Paramount - "II" CD/LP
New full-length album on No Quarter records.
Release date Feb. 22, 2011

GET REEBOK PUMPED

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Bisk - Discography

2011-01-09T00:21:00.008-07:00

Been replaying the electronic/genre-mash work of Naohiro Fujikawa's Bisk, specifically the only album I'd had/heard, 'Time'.
I decided to dig a little deeper and purchase his other stuff (sans compilations)-- his four full-lengths spanning from 1996 to 2000 whereafter Bisk was inactive.

All of these have something to offer; his 1997 work 'Strange or Funny-HaHa?' is probably his most ambitious for how many flavors he tries to pack in the blender, so I can't blame him for a slightly jagged chunk of material in the mix...
Only given preliminary listens, but really dug all with 1998's 'Ticklish Matters' the potential favorite. No two albums really sound alike though (or two songs), so something for everyone looking for a unique cut-up of abstract/IDM/electronic goodness.

Time [1996]

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Strange or Funny-HaHa? [1997]
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Ticklish Matters [1998]
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Moonstruck Parade [2000]
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RQM - Colors Fade (Broken Haze remix)

2010-12-31T13:44:00.006-07:00

Came to my attention that Broken Haze did a remix of friend RQM...
Add his version to the collective of 'Colors Fade', which is actually off the Japanese version of the EP entitled 'Colors Refaded', featuring all different/Japanese producers & remixes of the two tracks.

Sound Watch

2010-12-23T23:46:00.005-07:00

Azat - Lost In Noise

2010-12-13T18:03:00.004-07:00

Latest Azat? Yeah girl.
Not only that, but 30:30 of new Azat?
MERCY.

+++++++++++

Midori - shinsekai

2010-12-10T13:13:00.006-07:00

Latest 2010 output from Japan's interesting weirdness, Midori (ミドリ).
Another nice blend of jazz/pop/punk/scramz. Almost sounds like a timely festive album, plus the part where your long-lost relative finds the liquor cabinet and starts inflicting cerebral assaults over romping carols.

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Customer - Soft Comedy EP

2010-11-16T00:18:00.007-07:00

Customer is...

better summated themselves:
"Customer is the beginning of what is commonly called the end. The idea is a simple one, creating music for the sake of creating music. There are no deep underlying themes in this music. In fact there aren’t even any members because everyone is a customer. They create some of the most under whelming sonic imagery ever to be conceived. Most likely, their message is… relax. Customer released Checkout Line in 2007, the Chocolate Ants EP in 2008 and the Soft Comedy EP in October 2010"

To be more literal I think it's three dudes from Ohio, playing folktronica/IDM. Some guitar in the mix, samples ranging from shampoo commercials(?), the X-Files, and I-wanna-say the Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (specifically the segment the Hellacopters sampled in "Gotta Get Some Action (Now)!").
Unsure about the sample in the final track but it's pretty cool. And dig the cover.
The rest of their discography is up for free download on their myspace, and based on the quality of this EP, I'd say they're worth a gander(ing).

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Undertakers Circus - Ragnarock

2010-11-10T22:41:00.006-07:00

Undertakers Circus was a twelve-piece (apparent pair missed the photo-op) rock group from Oslo, Norway.
The band was founded in 1967, characterized by their dense horn-section and jazz influence, making for unique renditions of rock/psych/folk songs.
The band's first LP 'Ragnarock' was released five years after their initial singles, finally seeing light on Polydor records in 1973.

Highly slept on stuff -- the group is noted for being one of the first Norwegian rock bands to have politically heavy lyrics, and language barriers aside, it's evident they had their own spin on the conventional styles of the time. The album goes from straight out cardboard-cutting blasts (such as personal favorite "Løfte"), into the more obscure and delightfully weird dirges and sing-alongs.

Congas, flute, bass, brass, bells & whistles...
Def worth checking out.
They released one more album in 1975 as Undertakers Cirkus before disbanding in 1976, 'Brød & Cirkus'.

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Azat - Hesitate

2010-10-28T00:34:00.002-06:00

Latest track from Azat.

Sailors With Wax Wings - s/t

2010-10-25T12:41:00.005-06:00

Sailors With Wax Wings is a side-project of Pyramids creator R. Loren. He enlisted a who's-who for this atmospheric debut, which should be enough to pique your interest past any sort of influential review: Ted Parsons (Swans/Godflesh/Prong), Colin Marston (Krallice/Behold…The Arctopus), Aidan Baker (Nadja), Simon Scott (Slowdive), Dominick Fernow (Prurient/Cold Cave), Vern Rumsey (Unwound), Hildur Gudnadottir (Múm/Throbbing Gristle/The Knife), Aaron Stainthorpe (My Dying Bride), Jonas Renkse (Katatonia), Marissa Nadler, J. Leah, James Blackshaw, [and artwork by] David Tibet (Current 93) and Faith Coloccia (Mamiffer/Pyramids).

Basically the album operates as a shoegaze/dreamy collision of tremolo guitars and vocal effects often interspersed male/female. It lulls in some spots, but intentionally so, and repeat listens really give the feeling of experimentation while holding onto a fundamental sound -- guitars often criss-cross and intersect, the drums feel disconnected, vocal effects warble into clean, and in choice moments, the album explores darker territories that contrast perfectly with the otherwise ethereal.

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Babe Ruth - First Base

2010-10-20T22:30:00.005-06:00

Babe Ruth were a rock band from England active throughout the 70's (along their latest release in 2009). The band has changed lineups multiple times throughout their total of six, with 'First Base' their debut in 1973. The band is known for their heavy/groove form of rock, led by the power-vox of Janita Haan.

I haven't checked out much else of their stuff, but this album is pretty cool. From the extended jam of "King Kong" to the standout "The Mexican"...it gets some repeat.

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Supdates

2010-10-08T21:55:00.007-06:00

Ayso, friend RQM sent me a heads up on his new video for "Atomic Fusion" (from his 'Colors Fade' EP).
Maybe with permission I'll up robot koch's latest EP they hooked up, cover art alone is pretty sweet (not to mention he just released his latest, 'Songs for Trees & Cyborgs'):

Lastly of second, got an email from AFTA-1 on his latest project, which made me wish I'd check my email more often. In his words:

"I have once again begun a new journey In my creative process... Life Translations :

At heart, Life Translations is a daily experimental journey I have begun, intended to remove expectation and fear from the art that I am inspired to create through my life experience.

To further explain, Life Translations are my daily meditations; creations reflective of my daily life experience. They are pieces of music / photo / video / any art, inclusive of sounds and imagery collected from my immediate surrounding; created, and essentially completed in the same day, so as to maintain the purity of the initial inspiration which birthed the art.

The Idea is to Live, Collect, Translate, and Release. I live life, collect audible and visual fragments of my experience throughout the day, compile them with as little editing and interference as possible, then give away the purest form of the creation, before more layers or pieces are added.

It is a process I am thoroughly enjoying and learning a lot from every day. Very blessed that I can share it with all of you, and hopefully provide some healing L O V E tones for your own day to day."

So far he's released four of these, I compiled them into one folder but check back cause he'll likely update in-between brushing your teeth. And if you haven't bought/heard his last release 'F O R M' yet you R E A L L Y S H O U L D , I M O .
Each track has its own individual art (titled them for ya nice peepz), I just chose his cover for "Occasional Seed".

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Joshua - Curvature of the Mouth [EP]

2010-10-03T17:42:00.005-06:00

Joshua is the work of Joshua Gibbs, recently releasing his EP 'Curvature of the Mouth' for free alongside some literal tasty packages; if you buy it, he'll make and deliver a tasty sandwich included with your cassette or CD...
Nice!

'Curvature of the Mouth' marks the first in a set to be released by December, with his upcoming 'Jersey St.' due the following month.
The EP is 6 tracks, described as ambient acoustic -- all instruments and voices are done by Gibbs save the bowed-bass provided by Dean English on "Turtles", which is all around my favorite track on the EP...
A nice weaving of samples, clicks/claps, strings and sings -- just over thirteen minutes and definitely worth re-visiting/keeping tabs.

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[MIX] Free Three

2010-09-24T23:46:00.006-06:00

YO[PAUSE], THIS IS A 3 HOUR MIX-MANIA STRAIGHT TO YOU !!! ALL THE HOTTEST ARTISTS IN THE LAST HOT WHILE, ARRANGED BY THE CRAZY lMmT YOU KNOW THE DEAL, AND IF YOU DON'T, GET THIS HOT MIX !! IT'S MIXED HOT ! CHECK OUT THE TRACKLIST AND GET EXCITE! 3 HOURS OF MIXED HOT-MIX HOTNESS GOD&M IT'S TIGHTER THAN SQUIRREL PUSSY PICK UP THE PHONE PUT IT ON WITH YOUR FRIENDS OH THAT'S RIGHT YOU DON'T HAVE ANY CUZ YOU AIN'T GOT THIS HOT MIX!!!

Was going to post some albums but going on a drive this weekend, made this for such purposes...
Most of these are from albums already posted on here, so if you like something that's dead just give me a shout for re-ups. 42 tracks, exactly three hours, 41 artists, alphabetical.
Can't have just one Showbiz & A.G. track...

Tracklisting:

1. AFTA-1 - "Prelude To MeMeaningWE"
2. Alucard - "Clear Face Mask (ft. Ide & Critical)
3. The Big Sleep - "Slow Race"
4. Book Of Dead Names - "how to become an assassin"
5. Braintax - "Opening Titles (ft. Skinnyman)"
6. Bright Eyes - "The Calender Hung Itself..."
7. Broken Haze - "Counter Attack (ft. Joga)"
8. Channel Live - "Alpha & Omega"
9. Cheese People - "Down & Down"
10. Comadre - "Hit Me Up On My Celly Cell"
11. Deceptikon - "The Humans Return"
12. The Dillinger Escape Plan - "We Are The Storm"
13. E-Life - "Gunz & Ammo"
14. Eden Maine - "I Am What You Are"
15. fbcfabric & Reindeer - "Soulsuck"
16. Genelec & Memphis Reigns - "Organisms"
17. Gorod - "Chronicle from the Stone Age"
18. Happy Family - "The Sushi Bar (with bad face, bad manners, and bad taste)"
19. The Hellacopters - "(Gotta Get Some Action) Now!"
20. Isis - "Weight"
21. Konceptual Dominance - "Rock The Disco (ft. Ka Auditron Ba)"
22. Korekyojinn - "Betwixt"
23. Lord By Fire - "Ride With Thunder And Love"
24. The Moth - "Bright Lights"
25. Mumbles (ft. Aceyalone) - "Freedom Now!"
26. The Murder of Rosa Luxemburg - "Farming Japanese"
27. Nine - "Uncivilized"
28. The Psychic Paramount - "Gamelan Into the Mink Supernatural"
29. Red Animal War - "Right Now, Today, I Don't Believe In Hell"
30. Reef The Lost Cauze - "Crumbs (ft. King Magnetic)"
31. robot koch - "Hard To Find"
32. Shora - "Discussing Watercolor Techniques"
33. Showbiz & A.G. - "He Say, She Say"
34. Showbiz & A.G. - "I'm Not The One"
35. Tulus - "Allow No Light"
36. Tuna Laguna - "Arrival of the Rhino"
37. Ungdomskulen - "Witches Mate In The Underground"
38. Vakill - "Heart Bleeds"
39. Woven Hand - "The Threshingfloor"
40. Yura Yura Teikoku - "恋がしたい"
41. 1000names - "Ice Is the Silent Language"
42. 13ghosts - "Photographs"

The album art is just a cropping of John Martin's "The Last Man";
Have a good weekend.:

[MIX] Free Three

Barking Dogs Never Bite

2010-09-10T12:32:00.008-06:00

Hey kidhos,

I'm currently in a college computer lab acting like a student,
which basically means I'm not writing about Kantian ethics (lol more liek KUNTian ethics, mirite?).
[...actually Kant is kinda kool, like Mortal Kombat]

Basically I moved to a new place and have no series of tubes until the 17th, so at best (but not least) you might get some more youtubery or perhaps some mixes that have already earned me noise complaints in my new apartment. Shiii, I heard people complaining while I watched Fantastic Mr. Fox...Not to mention nobody appreciates my crowned cigs outside [note: I just smoke the tobacco to look tuff].
WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE!?

But hey,
I've been reading Dracula for the first time,
it's kinda badass.

So on that note*,
I ain't emo,
I'm just ev-ol
I like to destroy the e-go in arro-gant people.
later days, nugras

***

Lights for Nero - Dying to Shed Light on the Narrow Path of the Anathema Heist

2010-08-26T17:04:00.007-06:00

Debut 2003 album from Lights for Nero.
Features lots of early/alternate versions of songs found on the later 2004 '...And Little Lambs Eat Nations', like favorites "Chalk Outlines Cover the Dance Floors", previously as "How the Plane Crash Became a Cliché" (which on this is "Track 9"), and some other variations/surprises.
There's also some banjo shredding. Some pinky in the air sax-sections, complete with warbling samples. Spoken word spokenry. And in general lots of punkery and scramz.
If it was jelly I would put it on my toast, and I don't eat jelly.
& re-upped the old-newer with some fixed tracklistings/tags.

+++++++++++

Blonde Redhead - Penny Sparkle

2010-08-19T19:55:00.007-06:00

Upcoming full-length 'Penny Sparkle' from Blonde Redhead, due in the States on September 14th...
If you're in the Europe area give them some dolla-dolla bills ya'll during their upcoming tour. Pound(s), dawg? If not euro gonna' be sorry? Some Danish/Norwegian kroner for selling your Mortal Kombat? Slice up some Swiss francs? Maybe some cookies?

09-15 Geneva, Switzerland - La Batie
09-16 Paris, France - Bataclan
09-18 Brussels, Belgium - AB
09-19 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Melkweg
09-21 Copenhagen, Denmark - Vega
09-22 Oslo, Norway - Rockefeller
09-23 Stockholm, Sweden - Debaser
09-24 Helsinki, Finland - Virgin Oil Co.
09-29 London, England - Shepherd's Bush Empire

link removed by request

mewithoutYou - Brother, Sister

2010-08-09T18:16:00.012-06:00

Fifth/Former member guitarist Christopher Kleinberg pictured

mewithoutYou is an experimental (re: good) rock group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The group is known for their introspective and profound lyrics spoken/shouted from vocalist Aaron Weiss, whom with his brother Michael (guitar) founded the group as a "side project" in 2001 aside The Operation, solely releasing, 'There Is Hope For A Tree Cut Down'
(loosely a lyric from my favorite song on the present-mentioned 2006 'Brother, Sister' album).
Not to detract from bassist Greg Jehanian and drummer Rickie Mazzotta, who provide the ground-pound/free-form wonderment that holds the shaking beauty of the Weiss brothers' angular temperament together, or additionally the voice/horn cameo orchestration lining the album.

Jesus (literally) - what an amazing album.
Their entire discography is worth unearthing, but this album gracefully shifts from track to track, maintaining both literal symbolism as well as tonal likeness; the spiritual outpour is heard from every drip, accumulating to a deluge divinely felt above or below the flood. In keeping connection -- it might not be perfect, but you'll be quick to forgive & retrace any fault.

+++++++++++

Live from the Inside

2010-08-04T20:07:00.008-06:00

Pic unrelated; though also badass so possibly related.
(William Shakespeare Burton, The Wounded Cavalier)

I don't usually do this, but I'm currently incapable of delivering on the real. Most of these were uploaded by yours truly, so this isn't entirely lazy. Maybe I'll turn this into an infrequent/frequent thing where I just post songs/songs from albums I posted in the past to keep them fresh in your ears' mind.
I could post links to the albums but that isn't near as fun for you guyz/galz; sometimes you just need to tackle things like Indianapolis Jones and discover things on your own.
Cuz these songs belong in a museum.
(So do you!)

Optical*8

2010-07-15T11:35:00.006-06:00

Otomo Yoshihide

Optical*8 is a four-piece Japanese experimental rock group.
The band consists of Hoppy Kamiyama (vocals, synthesizers, samples, violin), Reck (guitar, metal cavasa, bass), Masafumi Minato (metal cavasa, backing vocal, drums) and probably the most-known of the group - Otomo Yoshihide (guitar, turntables, backing vocal) of Ground Zero.

Most of the lyrics seem seshual in nature and are frantically interjected through the band's drum/bass heavy sound; extended jams pulverize some of the beefier tracks, with pockets of weird experimentation present throughout.
Both of these '94 releases essentially round-out their discography (minus their '92 self-titled that I can't find), with 'Bug' being my personal favorite.

Bug
[1994]

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Gender
[1994]

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Swollen Members - Balance

2010-07-09T11:18:00.006-06:00

1999 debut album from the Vancouver based hip-hop collective Swollen Members.
The group was founded in the mid-nineties between Mad Child, Prevail, and Moka Only, earning a following in Canada's hip hop scene and spurring the release of 'Balance'; the album included tracks with vets Aceyalone, Dilated Peoples, and Del - as well as future longtime producer/collaborator Rob the Viking.

Moka Only left the group (twice) to pursue his solo career, officially leaving as a permanent member in 2005.

I haven't come around to much of SM's newer material, and oddly enough I'm not huge on Moka Only's solo stuff, but in my opinion this debut is among the most consistent in hip-hop...
Also worth checking out their 2001 follow-up album 'Bad Dreams'.

+++++++++++

Kimono - Arctic Death Ship

2010-07-01T12:17:00.006-06:00

Kimono (often stylized 'kimono') are an Icelandic-Canadian alternative/math-rock three piece.
The band came from the ashes of an instrumental post-rock group, continuing under Kimono with the inclusion of vocals.
Kimono released 2 albums under the Icelandic label Bad Taste (Sugarcubes' label from '86). The latter of these two albums was 2005's 'Arctic Death Ship', which was well-received especially in Iceland; nominated but losing out to Sigur Ros' 'Takk' for Iceland's Rock Album of the Year.
Album arrives as an enjoyable listen and leaves as one, with highlights like "Sober" and "Railroads" pushing repeat listens.

Their latest is 'Easy Music for Difficult People'.

+++++++++++

Folk You

2010-06-23T12:34:00.007-06:00

Voice of the Seven Thunders - s/t

+++++++++++

Woven Hand - The Threshingfloor

+++++++++++

Leon - Biting

2010-06-13T12:31:00.007-06:00

Leon is a longtime producer/MC from Italy, operating as a group (Alchimisti di rime) but often releases beat-driven instrumentals independently.
His newest solo-project is 'Biting'; sample-filled hip-hop instrumentals following his budding production work with rapper Mega.

Been deep in hip-hop instrumentals lately (AFTA-1's newest 'Form', previous BoomBaptist, 1000names' newest 'Illuminated Man', etc.) and this album has found a nice place in the mix -- readily on repeat with the agreeable 25 minutes of material.

Siccazione

+++++++++++

BoomBaptist - BoomBaptism Beat Tape

2010-06-04T11:43:00.008-06:00

BoomBaptist (AKA Thesaurus Rex) is a beatmaker/MC residing in Austin, TX.
Along working with artists like Mr. Lif and Blackalicious, BoomBap has released a handful of solo releases - including his latest 'BoomBaptism Beat Tape' - a 28-track collection of his finest.
Some nice ideas/beats and a big chunk of material, stay up.
Score some more free releases from his bandcamp.

BoomBaptism Beat Tape
+++++++++++

Matt Stevens - Ghost

2010-06-02T11:23:00.005-06:00

Another quality release from friend Matt Stevens.

+++++++++++

Snow & Voices - Anything That Moves

2010-05-26T18:42:00.011-06:00

Snow & Voices is a collective from Los Angeles stemming from duo Lauri Kranz (vocals) and Jebin Bruni (multi-instrumentalist/production).
The forefront of their sound is keyboard-driven arrangements with Kranz warmly accenting dirges, sitting center in the group's whimsical/melancholy nature.
The group just released their latest full-length, 'Anything That Moves', with longtime producer/friend Darrel Thorp (Radiohead, etc.) and Bruni himself (Fiona Apple, etc.), also implementing a huge spectrum of collaborators to fill out the album/live shows.

Snow & Voices “Maybe Finland” from Lauri Kranz on Vimeo.

+++++++++++

Tribeqa - Qolors

2010-05-18T12:29:00.005-06:00

In association with warmer weather: new Tribeqa.

tRiBEQA - "Rose" from Sébastien Marqué on Vimeo.

+++++++++++

Neon Blonde

2010-05-10T10:58:00.007-06:00

Neon Blonde is an experimental rock group featuring then-Blood Brothers Johnny Whitney and Mark Gajadhar. The duo integrated more of an electroclash/post-punk sound under Neon Blonde, but maintained the signature spazz The Blood Brothers were known for.

Whitney took up guitar/songwriting duties (plus backing instruments) for the project but the pair only released the 'Headlines' EP and 'Chandeliers in the Savannah' full-length, both in 2005, before returning to other projects.

Headlines
+++++++++++

+++++++++++

Broken Haze - raid system

2010-05-03T18:32:00.008-06:00

Broken Haze is the alias of Keisuke Ito, a Japanese experimental electronica hip-hop producer whose futuristic music is composed with glitchy digital noise, lazer synth, chopped melody, industrial drum sound, and dark cinematic ambience.

His track off the 'Jus Like Music & Apple Juice Break present: Oscillations Part 1' compilation prompted me to check out his 2008 full-length 'raid system', an IDM/glitch affair with an hour+ of material.

Might be a big pill to swallow all at once, but any fans of Deceptikon, Ametsub, Kashiwa Daisuke, etc. should give this a try -- maybe even scope some similar artists from the latest Oscillation.

+++++++++++

Suckinim Baenaim - s/t 10"

2010-04-30T10:48:00.005-06:00

Suckinim Baenaim are a hardcore/punk group from Israel.
The four-piece has released a handful of splits and one self-titled 10" from 2009.
What may seem like a DIY crash-course from the opening song eventually settles as a graceful skewering, just under fifteen minutes of controlled chaos.

+++++++++++

Remy LBO - Peeling in the Dub

2010-04-22T12:26:00.005-06:00

Remy LBO is an upcoming beatmaker/trip-hop/lounge artist from L.A.
He gave me a heads-up on his free-EP 'Peeling in the Dub', a sort of promotional preview of his recently released full-length 'Peeling in the Drum/Comical Cheating'.
The EP features four tracks from the full-length, an entirely new song, and one track off his previous album 'Component'.

All in all a tasteful blending of dub, jazz, and electronica with tight production.
Probably worth diggin' in those sofa cushions for the full-length... check it out/show support.

+++++++++++

Nine - Quinine

2010-04-18T12:02:00.007-06:00

Latest 2009 album from New York's Nine.
His first official full-length output since 1996's masterpiece 'Cloud 9' -- thirteen years later and Nine is large as ever.
Been playing these two albums like a fiend lately; 'Quinine' has some flat-out headcrusher beats, and Nine drops some 360-rhymes that flip your wig -- I mean, his concluding verse on "Homicide" is LETHAL.
But like Guru it's mostly the voice...

Maybe one or two hard fillings but no hard feelings, album is still great.

"Yes"

Quinine
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Cheese People

2010-04-15T11:40:00.008-06:00

Aye, Cheese People.
I mean, it's not as though most band names aren't ridiculous, so I think I can see past it...
Cheese People are a four-piece from Russia that play a mix of disco/punk with everything from funk to hip-hop flavor scattered throughout, elevated especially by catty lead singer Olya Chubarova. The band is often compared to Datarock or New Young Pony Club, though the band cites influence from bands like Prodigy, Gloria Gaynor, and Jamiroquai.

One of the more ambitious albums I've heard in a long time... Chubarova's vocals really skin the tracks inside and out with her impressive/quirky range.
The glam/pop might wear on smug listeners, but they'll be missing out on the quick-turns throughout the album like the grime/dance "Boombasters" or the mash-up wonderment of "Down and Down".

Fun album. This self-titled is the Japan release edition (which is the same with an included remix) from 2009. The band has another album coming this year.

Cheese People
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Ed Gein - Judas Goats & Dieseleaters

2010-04-12T14:23:00.007-06:00

Ed Gein are a three-piece from Syracuse, NY.
The band functions as a type of aggro-punk (yeah, I made that shit up), in the sense of unrelenting and noisy crash-anthems. The members share vocal duties equally, making for a thunder of three that reaches through the speakers.

'Judas Goats & Dieseleaters' is the band's second full-length from 2005, closing wonderfully with a (shaggily) bombastic cover of Nirvana's "Breed" and weird street-recordings/dog ambience.

The band has a new album in the works for this year.

Judas Goats & Dieseleaters
+++++++++++
mind the graves

The Afghan Whigs

2010-04-09T17:11:00.005-06:00

The Afghan Whigs were a soul-influenced rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio active throughout the 90's.
The band teetered on wide success (especially 1993's 'Gentlemen') but mainly maintained a loyal fanbase album to album with word of mouth/live success carrying the project.
Frontman/rhythm-guitarist Greg Dulli is what makes (or breaks) the band; his vocals are above-all unique in rock-music, and matched with his heated lyrical delivery is what strikes or sinks your appreciation.

The three albums here are 'Congregation' [1992], 'Gentlemen' [1993], and their final release '1965' [1998]. 'Gentlemen' is probably my go-to favorite of the bunch but I've fostered an appreciation for all of them -- really just a band that grows on you if you hang around to listen, though others might not fully follow Dulli's dragging enlightenment.

Congregation
+++++++++++

Gentlemen
+++++++++++

1965
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Chinese Man - The Groove Sessions Vol. 1

2010-04-06T12:22:00.006-06:00

Chinese Man is a French hip-hop collective formed in 2004.
Comprised of the Marseilles DJ Zé Mateo and High Ku, with beatmakers SLY and Leolebug, the collective expands on their influences of dub, funk, reggae and jazz to outline their songs, cutting up samples ranging from Zakir Hussain to obscure film, successfully living up to 'The Groove Sessions'.

Recently stumbled on these guys with 'The Groove Sessions Vol. 1' (of the 2 that they've released), a collection of songs from 2004-2007; the production is sharp, the beats are on-point, and the layers and whistles they put into each track is staggering, in the best way possible.

Not really a throwaway to be found, def recommended/keep them tabs.

The Groove Sessions Volume 1
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Friko - The Journey To Mandoola

2010-04-03T11:14:00.008-06:00

Friko is the brain-child of dual collaborators Peder Kjellsby (production/writing/mixing) and Sjur Miljeteig (sax, brass, harmonica) from Norway.
The duo released two albums full of varying guest-collaborators -- mostly vocalists -- to create the electronic/folk wonderment of 'Burglar Ballads' [2003] and personal favorite 'The Journey To Mandoola' [2006].

This album is great because it flows into each song/idea from great indirect avenues, eventually making it near-difficult to remember how the journey started, yet track to track feels explicitly linked in its progression; the production is sharp and visible throughout, with Kjellsby doing a great job giving every beat and tweak its own light.
The vocal contributions shift everywhere from the smoothest trip-hop to the most skewed folk, sometimes interchangeably in the same song.

Definite recommendation.

The Journey To Mandoola
+++++++++++
mind the graves

De Facto - 456132015 [EP]

2010-03-31T09:57:00.005-06:00

De Facto was the middle-ground between At the Drive-In and The Mars Volta so to say, featuring Cedric (initially bass, primarily drums), Omar (bass/vocals), Ikey (keys), and Jeremy Ward (sound manipulation, guitar, vocals) doing dub-reggae music.

'456132015' was an EP from 2001, featuring two versions of "120E7" plus "Vesica Pisces", both reworkings from their final album of the same year, 'Légende du Scorpion à Quatre Queues'.
As far as I know the project is still being considered for new material, even with the unfortunate passing of Ward in 2003.

456132015 [EP]
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Zegota - Namasté

2010-03-29T16:15:00.007-06:00

The prior 2001 full-length from Zegota.
Really nice progression from this album to 'Reclaim!'; behemoth of over an hour of punk/world jams with jabs of intensity to keep it above ground. Last epic features underlying saxophone throughout -- overall just as interesting and dynamic as their later output.

Namasté
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Lvmen - Mondo

2010-03-25T15:49:00.004-06:00

2006 album from the Czech Republic's Lvmen.
Crushing atmospheric metal akin to Neu-school post-metlol. The band intersperses a lot of movie samples that fit really well throughout, some nice keyboard additions too as well as some singing variation (specifically Lvmen No. 13) between the bombardment.
And the drummer is really good.

Mondo
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Deceptikon - Mythology of the Metropolis

2010-03-23T13:34:00.003-06:00

Latest release from border-breaker Deceptikon.
I'm still digesting most of it, but def more of an electro/IDM affair compared to his past beat-driven/trip-hop stuff like 'Lost Subject'.
Still plenty of beats and goodness.

Mythology of the Metropolis
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Lord Finesse & DJ Mike Smooth - Funky Technician

2010-03-20T13:27:00.005-06:00

Lord Finesse (most-recognized as the founder of the D.I.T.C. crew) & former partner DJ Mike Smooth released one album under Wild Pitch Records (home to Gang Starr, Main Source, etc), releasing their debut 'Funky Technician' in 1990.

The album showcased production from then-upcoming beatmakers DJ Premier, Diamond D, and Showbiz -- in many ways the introductory page for the D.I.T.C. roster and New York's underground legends.

Any fans of the Show/AG output, pound-pave old school hip-hop, or whatever else you want to coat it with, will find thirteen classic cuts of some of the greatest in the game.
Also worth checking Finesse's comeback after being dropped from Wild Pitch, 'Return of the Funky Man' from '92.

Funky Technician
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Geinoh Yamashirogumi - Ecophony Rinne

2010-03-15T12:29:00.004-06:00

Geinoh Yamashirogumi (芸能山城組) is a musical collective founded in 1974 by Tsutomu Ōhashi, comprised of doctors, journalists, engineers, students -- basically everyone and anyone capable of making noise.
Initially the group was known for their re-creations of folk music throughout the world (though obviously on a much larger scale), but not until the advent of electronics/synthesizers did the group expand their scope enormously, and gain commercial appeal.

MIDI synths in the 80's couldn't handle traditional tuning systems of gamelan instruments, so the group had to "modify" and program to fit their needs; 'Ecophony Rinne' in 1986 was the first release by the collective to showcase this blending of organic/electronic instrumentation, suited firmly in the hypnotic choir and percussive force of the group.

This whirlwind of styles and voices caught the attention of Katsuhiro Ōtomo, who enlisted the group to do the entire soundtrack for the popular anime 'Akira' (and anyone who has seen Akira ((hopefully everyone)) should know the immensity of that soundtrack).

The group has reportedly tackled over 80 styles of traditional music from throughout the world, but has managed to somehow keep the overwhelming presence of their music relatively unknown.
Fans of Akira will feel right at home (as the two albums were in conjunction with one another)...the kind of huge, ethereal swells and crashes to knock the crust out of your eyelids in the morning.
"Dark Slumber" is a highlight for me.

Ecophony Rinne
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Lights for Nero - ...And Little Lambs Eat Nations

2010-03-12T16:12:00.012-07:00

Lights for Nero was an amalgamation hardcore band from South Carolina incorporating saxophone and dual vocalists. The band broke up after releasing two full-lengths, with their 2004 opus '...And Little Lambs Eat Nations' before their departure in 2006.
Great little screamo/jazz flavors, really an unknown gem. There's some weaker tracks, or some where the mix doesn't gel so well, but overall such an interesting record that when it peaks you don't want it to stop, especially with standout tracks like "Chalk Outlines Cover the Dance Floors" and "How the Plane Crash Became A Cliché" (which starts off like a BM anthem).

The saxophone parts won't blow your top off, but the band knew how to incorporate it into their own sound, really just recommended/worth a listen.

...And Little Lambs Eat Nations
+++++++++++
mind the graves

RQM - Colors Fade 7" / EP

2010-03-09T14:03:00.005-07:00

RQM dropped a line and hit me with his 7" / EP of his newest project 'Colors Fade'. It features two tracks, "Atomic Fusion" & "Colors Fade", handled across 5 different producers -- two for the former, and three for the latter.

The fact that RQM's lyrics and delivery hold up on all the different versions is a testament to his impact on the tracks, and the individual producers did a great job of cutting the tracks differently and really making them their own. My first couple listens I found myself picking favorites (initially the 7" versions), but now I find myself going to each individual track for the differences they offer, constantly picking up little nuances from each producer.

Some more great output from RQM, don't sleep.

Colors Fade 7" / EP
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Red Snapper - Our Aim Is to Satisfy

2010-03-06T11:05:00.006-07:00

Red Snapper are a British instrumental band formed in 1993 as a three-member lineup (double bass/drums/guitar) with a number of contributing musicians/vocalists on their albums. The band is often noted for their blend of acoustic instruments mixed with electronic textures, making for a unique blend of acid-jazz.

The band signed to the IDM-heavy Warp records for their debut album 'Prince Blimey'. For their third release, 'Our Aim Is to Satisfy' in 2000, the trio enlisted a number of vocalists/guest musicians, possibly creating their best album before their dissolution (though the band re-formed for one album in 2008).

When I first heard this, I almost stopped listening entirely during the second track, and I'm really glad I didn't...so many tracks - the latter half especially, are flat-out BNGAZ, guaranteed to get some stir out of that seat.

Our Aim Is to Satisfy
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Hideaki Kobayashi - Let The Winds Blow

2010-03-03T14:19:00.010-07:00

Hideaki Kobayashi

To say my middle-school years were spent playing the various incarnations of the Phantasy Star Online series would be an understatement...
I played them a lot.
Like, I would go to bed around 4am on a daily basis, and the various hours of finding rare items and what have you would shift to algebra or whatever it was happens in middle-school.
Chances are if you wound my nerdery I could talk about the series for awhile, not so much because it had incredible gameplay, but because the advent of online console games/using Dreamcasts with a dial-up modem was such a new and crazy time for a huge-eyed youngster as myself.

It was like the development of cool, you know? The PSO series was this crazy futuristic vibe, mixed with the coming of age internet/multiplayer, and as lame as it sounds it'll probably be something that sticks in my memory for awhile.
A large reason it will remain in memory, is because of the score across the three titles, composed by Kenichi Tokoi, Fumie Kumatani, and Hideaki Kobayashi. The gist of the game/aesthetic was its emphasis on space/futuristic vibes, and digital lobby-chairs/holograms for days wouldn't have near the impact they did if it wasn't for the electronic wizardry implemented by these three people.

So I thought, I'll go back and listen to these for nostalgia's sake --
I quickly realized how much my memory of the game was embedded in my brain because of the music -- even simple lobby loops implement such cool and interesting tones/electronic pulses that I felt obligated to share with the uninitiated.

I went backwards, choosing the game I played least in the series (thought that newest PSU was pretty weak), and ultimately the most neglected -- Episode III that was a Gamecube exclusive.
A lot of fans didn't like it because it was turn-based/card-battles, yadda-yadda, etc., but regardless of sentiments on the game, the soundtrack might be their best work.

I honestly think this soundtrack, and a few others in the series, are really one of the few game soundtracks that you can listen to independently from the game and still have an appreciation for them, or to say, they could stand on their own as straight-up music releases. Obviously playing the games will make the tracks stand out in your head a little more, but there's such an awesome mix of jazz/electronic/neo-classical shit on here that I think anyone could dig.

I'll stop blabbering and just post this, but this is 'Let The Winds Blow: PSO Ep. III OST', and I tagged the entire album as being 'Hideaki Kobayashi'... he's the only composer on the series who worked on all three titles (even though his output on this one might be the least), so I just left the other composers/guest-singers (as one or two tracks have vocals) in the comments.

If the game seems rubbish or you knew someone like me who played it all the time, still don't hesitate to check out the music. Any fan of electronic music absolutely has to hear this...just some essential tones/ideas thrown around on this, with a huge ensemble of talented musicians to boot.

An idea of the 2-discs:

Tower of Caelum

'Idola' - The Strange Fruits

Let The Winds Blow
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Another phone - Medtime EP

2010-03-01T15:34:00.009-07:00

New EP 'Medtime' from past-friend Another phone.

Just got around to my email and thought I'd share the surprise.

Medtime
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Sourface - The Anxiety LP

2010-02-25T12:40:00.007-07:00

Sourface is the alias of Adam Bramwell, an upcoming beatmaker from Manchester, England.
As half the Late Night Fruit duo, Bramwell decided to take a solo-venture under the Sourface name, creating a beat-tape that would become 'The Anxiety LP'. His music draws heavy influences from producers like 9th Wonder, Dilla, Black Milk, DJ Premier and RZA.

Probably one of the best releases I've heard this year -- fresh beats, inventive remixes, good song/sample choice with his production style, all around an enjoyable album.
Keep tabs.

1. Intro (The Sourface)
2. If Only
3. Nas - Made You Look (Remix)
4. Thru' It All
5. She Disappeared
6. So Far
7. CL Smooth & Skyzoo - Perfect Timing (Remix)
8. Slidin'
9. The Call
10. Walk On
11. Ghostface Killah - Save Me Dear (Remix)
12. Mind Over Matter
13. One Day
14. Leavin'
15. Nas - Shootouts (Remix)
16. Remember Me
17. Strange Feeling
18. Little Brother, Skillz & Carlitta Durand - Life Of The Party (Remix)
19. Wasting Time
20. Picture This
21. Jay-Z - Song Cry (Remix)
22. An Ending (Outro)

The Anxiety LP
+++++++++++
mind the graves

The Tape vs. RQM - Autoreverse

2010-02-22T10:33:00.012-07:00

RQM, Robot Koch

The Tape vs. RQM is the collaboration between Berlin producers Robot Koch and Walera Goodman, with spoken-word/flows by New York's MC RQM.
Walera ended up leaving after the Tape's second release, 'Perpetual Dubbing' (though still contributed "Lonely Planet Revisited" to 'Autoreverse'), to pursue other projects.
This led to Robot Koch recruiting RQM, re-working old material for the intent on performing it live as a new duo, blending the already concrete IDM/post-rock influence with RQM's unique rhymes (comparison I'll draw is to Saul Williams, if just the voice...).

'Autoreverse' was the first album made exclusively between Robot Koch/RQM, a sort of free-form hip-hop release that's as beat-focused as it is mutated electronic experimentation; a mash-up that flows less like a mash-up and more like a long-conceived blossoming of ideas.

This album hit me as a stepping stone, all the more interesting that it came out in 2005 (featuring tracks like "Hip Hop Is Dead" pre-Nas HHID) and still sounds so undiscovered.
Another solid project from Robot Koch, def recommended.

"Rainy Summer"

+++++++++++

Matt Stevens - Echo

2010-02-20T11:11:00.005-07:00

Matt Stevens is a one-man wall of sound who specializes in looping dynamic acoustic-guitar melodies.
Hailing from North London, Stevens has garnered connections to artists such as John McLaughlin and Sigur Rós, and continues to expand on his word of mouth success with his live shows.

His latest album 'Echo' was released as a 'pay what you want' throughout this month, and after finally getting some listens with the album I feel he deserves some more spotlight...
There's usually three to four things going on in any song with his loops, and it's really impressive how much they meld together as much as they stand on their own; simple melodic builds become seemingly complex structures once Stevens has all the pieces in place.

Talented guitarist/composer no doubt.
Keep tabs.

Echo
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Crime in Choir - s/t

2010-02-18T10:46:00.006-07:00

Crime in Choir is a now-quintet from California.
The band plays a cascade of instrumental, synth-driven math-prog (especially onward from their third full length, 'Trumpery Metier'), featuring ex-members of At the Drive-In (pianist Kenny Hopper and guitarist Jarrett Wrenn), The Fucking Champs (current 1/2 drummers Tim Soete), The Mass (saxophonist Matt Waters), as well as many talented past-members like the octopus-drumming Zach Hill.

Zach Hill was featured on the first two full lengths, 2002's 'Crime in Choir' and 2004's 'The Hoop'. His drumming gives the first two records a distinct sound (also the smaller member line-up), a sort of collision between the ethereal melodic keys and Hill's dynamic drumming that cements every track in your head. His work on 'The Hoop' still might be my favorite Zach Hill recording, out of his myriad of projects.

Absolute recommendation if unfamiliar with the album, and definitely worth checking out their other releases.

Crime in Choir
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Rome - L'Assassin

2010-02-15T10:46:00.005-07:00

New EP from Luxembourg's apocalyptic-folk act Rome. This EP features two brand new songs and two old songs from 'Masse Mensch Material', re-worked with the new violin player.

Really great stuff -- the new violinist does a lot to fill out their already dense sound, and the two new tracks with him seem a promising step for later works.
Recommended.

L'Assassin
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Robot Koch - Death Star Droid

2010-02-11T15:16:00.006-07:00

Robot Koch is a producer from Berlin, who makes interesting electronic/trip-hop -- some instrumental, some featuring vocals from himself and contributors. He's also a DJ, composes film scores, and part of the group Jahcoozi, as well as post-rock/hip hop (you read that right) group The Tape vs RQM.

Been digging his 2009 'Death Star Droid' release after multiple listens... womp bass, ping-pong electronics, nice and light complementary vocals, and overall just a nice hit track to track.

+++++++++++

Messer Chups - Zombie Shopping

2010-02-08T14:57:00.007-07:00

Messer Chups are an experimental surf band from St. Petersburg, Russia.
Bass player Oleg Gitarkin is the only remaining founding member, switching to guitar with the inclusion of ZombieGirl in 2005. Messer Chups has since operated as a duo of sorts, with a number of contributing vocalists/drummers, as well as renowned theremin player Lydia Kavina.

2007's 'Zombie Shopping' is something of a surf/sample wonderment, interjecting samples of circus music, jazz, and a large amount of film-influence -- like obscure animated works and B-movie horror films -- into upbeat and often devious sounding surf elements.

I'll admit that a large chunk of these songs blend together, but in terms of the overall sound it seems to work in their favor...really just a cool mix of dark samples with lighter sounds that should please either side of the fence.

Zombie Shopping
+++++++++++
mind the graves

D.R. Hooker - The Truth

2010-02-05T13:45:00.006-07:00

D.R. Hooker was a fairly elusive psych artist, both in his personal life and commercial releases.
His 1972 private pressing of 'The Truth' is seen by collectors as one of the defining private press psych releases in the US; the album got put back into circulation by a number of admiring labels/distributors, also appearing recently on the 'Stones Throw: Forge Your Own Chains/Heavy Psychedelic Ballads & Dirges' compilation album (with his song, "Forge Your Own Chains").

All the rarity aside, really just a quality recording/album. His arrangements are really song-oriented but he has gaps of improvisation/mystical lyrics that really makes this stand out.
Also included on this are a few (if not all?) tracks from his never released 2nd LP, 'Armageddon'.

'The Truth' Personnel

D.R. Hooker - Vocals, Guitar
Vincent de Paul Linus Pasternack - Guitar
George Sheck - Bass
Nick Oliva - Keyboards
Rick Sanders - Syntheziser
Art Ryerson - Drums, Electric Piano, Background Vocals
Haywood Sheck - Drums
Ken Lovelett - Percussion, Vibes
Dave Mason, Buddy Santori - Background Vocals

' Armageddon' personnel:

D.R. Hooker - Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Carroll Yanni - Lead Guitar
Bert McDevitt - Drums
Bob Reardon - Keyboards
Steve Malkan - Bass

The Truth
+++++++++++
mind the graves

7000 Dying Rats - Fanning the Flames of Fire

2010-02-03T15:55:00.004-07:00

7000 Dying Rats are something of a fragmented supergroup (whose lineup has included members from Lair of the Minotaur, The Flying Luttenbachers, & Cattle Decapitation) that demands their music be taken seriously...all-while shedding off layers of ironic/obvious humor that has come to be associated with the grind scene.

The band basically represents a crucial reminder of humility in the music world of handshakes and pretentious artist bios, and in the world of "comedy grind" (*shudder*) represents a band that isn't just about mucking about (I'm British now) -- they can actually play their instruments.

Nay good reader, if you were expecting a blast-beat'N, snare-snap'N, throw in an ironic hip-hop sample'N, you'd be...partially wrong.
I mean, if your album cover has armed clowns (holding their units, so to say), it's easy to ascertain that humor is there -- just make sure you listen close enough to hear that 'Fanning the Flames of Fire' is more than that.

This is my favorite of the 7000DR that I've heard (the latest full-length 'Season in Hell' is pretty good too, and features a wonderfully odd spoken-word segment from Scott Kelly)...the album strikes such a nice balance of 'take us seriously'/'join in on the joke' that any fan of not only grind (because really, this isn't a grind album, aside the scattershot format) but really just anyone willing to be entertained as much as they are enlightened should enjoy this album.

Fanning the Flames of Fire [1998]
+++++++++++
mind the graves

1000names - Worth Making A Noise About!

2010-02-01T10:49:00.005-07:00

1000names is the collaboration between DJ "Casio Blaster" and "99 Mistakes" from Sofia. After a developed love with hip-hop culture, the pair teamed up in the early nineties to make beats, or in their words, "to break the beat".
Among their first releases was their 2008 EP, 'Worth Making A Noise About!', six songs of Dilla inspired blips/swells between bouncy-ball beats.

This type of sound is getting as oversaturated as anything, but it just means all the sweeter for genuinely striving groups like 1000names.
Chill beats/ambiance, nice production, recommended.

Their first full-length 'Toys Room Combat' came out in 2009.

Worth Making A Noise About!
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Bästard - Radiant, Discharged, Crossed-Off

2010-01-27T10:02:00.005-07:00

Bästard were a French group at the forefront of post-rock in the early 90's.
Influenced by acts like Sonic Youth, Bästard created their own mesh of noisy/angular sounds sewn into gracefully shifting rhythmic dirges, occasionally interjecting vocals for a great collaborative sound.

Their 1996 album 'Radiant, Discharged, Crossed-Off' is seen as the peak of their work, and in many circles an essential post-rock album. And with standouts like "Chinatown" and "Travelgum" it's easy to see why; labels aside just a really good album start to finish.

Radiant, Discharged, Crossed-Off
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Deceptikon - Lost Subject

2010-01-23T10:57:00.006-07:00

Deceptikon is the moniker of Zachary Wright from Portland, Oregon.
Wright was signed to Florida label Merck Records, releasing his debut album 'Lost Subject' in May 2004.
The album is chock full of forward-moving beats coated in extremely rich layers of ambient nuances; some songs literally require repeat listens just to process all the subtleties laced into the beats, obvious that Wright made the album a labor of love from track to track.

He released his follow up 'Greater Cascadia' in 2007, around the same time he moved to Japan.
Wright has since returned to the states with his new album due this February.

Favorite among favorites:

Lost Subject
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Red Animal War - Black Phantom Crusades

2010-01-21T12:01:00.006-07:00

Red Animal War are a shifting four-piece since their inception in 1998.
The band had a knack on early releases for their melding of emo/post-punk driven vocals in the midst of dynamic, post-hardcore realms.
No greater example is their fan-favorite 'Black Phantom Crusades', their second full-length in 2002. The album covers everything from slow building pieces with ascending horns, to frenzied drum and bass romps like on my personal favorite, "Mouse".

The lyrics can sometimes be an easy scab to pick ("she put her heart in a suitcase"), but his delivery never sounds fake and the band wouldn't be/sound the same without them. Plus in the world of emo/alternative music I think he's one of the more diverse vocalists, likewise with often enlightening things to say...

Pretty great stuff, if the album drags for you, at least see it through to "Mouse", and if you make it that far, you'll be kicking yourself if you don't wait for the concluding "Jambalaya".

Black Phantom Crusades
+++++++++++
mind the graves

BACTERIA - HATE ALL

2010-01-19T11:45:00.007-07:00

JUST REMEMBER ALL CAPS WHEN YOU SPELL THE MEN' NAME

BACTERIA are a three-piece from Japan who play a nice mix of noisy post-rock/hardcore.
Came across their 2005 mini-album 'HATE ALL', which opens to some pounding fizzle and distant yells, then wraps up with the two-part "From Some Faraway Small World", a more drawn-out and experimental exploration into the band's sound.

Their follow up album 'Lost' came out late last year.

HATE ALL
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Bisk - Time

2010-01-14T13:43:00.005-07:00

Closest thing to a picture of Bisk ;l

Bisk is the moniker of Japan's Naohiro Fujikawa.
Fujikawa is a self-confessed non-musician who delights in the "upsetting order in music".
I'd probably argue to Bisk he's on an elevated-plane of breakbeat/sample-craft in the realm of experimental techno, by whatever means...
Under the Belgian label Sub Rosa, 'Time' was his debut album with the Bisk moniker in '96, just in his early twenties.

Wild stuff/Recommended.
Posting also as a reminder to myself (and thus, you) to check out his '97 follow up full-length, 'Strange Or Funny-HaHa?', which apparently eclipses the abstract conciseness of 'Time'.

Time
+++++++++++
mind the graves

LoDeck & Omega One - Postcards from the Third Rock

2010-01-13T09:45:00.007-07:00

LoDeck & Omega One

'Postcards from the Third Rock' is the '08 collaboration between MC LoDeck and producer Omega One, both hailing from New York.

Had this album in my radar for awhile and just now got around to it...
As usual Omega One brings some of the freshest beats, and MC LoDeck does a pretty good job of exploring the tracks from all angles.
Solid...upping the instrumental version in a separate link.

Postcards from the Third Rock
+++++++++++
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Azat - The New School

2010-01-11T16:14:00.002-07:00

Niño - Deep Space Night

2010-01-11T11:04:00.004-07:00

Niño is an abstract hip-hop beatmaker from Spain. His 2009 EP 'Deep Space Night' was distributed for free download on Pendrive Records.

Fans of blip-beats/IDM will feel right at home.
Just under twenty minutes of polished, cosmic material - definitely one to keep tabbed.

Deep Space Night
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Diagonal

2010-01-09T11:02:00.007-07:00

Diagonal are a seven-piece from Brighton, UK.
Taking cues from prog-staples of old like King Crimson, Diagonal weave in a modern lining of post/jazz-rock, tastefully blurring the intersection between the two.

Just now coming across their late '08 self-titled full-length -- lots of prog-esque passages with a clear song-writing focus; nice interspersing of sax and keys.
Something for the progheads & artfag/K-mart Dark Side of the Moon wearers alike.

s/t
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Nine - Cloud 9

2010-01-02T13:12:00.005-07:00

Nine is the alias of MC Derrick Keyes, a Bronx-native who came up under the wing of protégé DJ Funkmaster Flex. Nine established himself with his unique and gritty voice, gaining critical and underground success with his debut 'Nine Livez'.

Nine's '96 opus 'Cloud 9' is a refined slice of his harsh and punctual nature, showcasing his guttural flow over bap-beats provided by Rob Lewis.
Just an overlooked MC and voice, one of the realest to shovel gravel.

Cloud 9
++++++++++++
mind the graves

Ruins - Burning Stone

2010-01-01T11:38:00.005-07:00

Slightly embarrassed that in my year+ of doing this that I haven't posted anything from Ruins (close with Korekyojinn) -- drum/bass duo from Japan who basically made it cool to be a drum and bass duo...technically a planned trio but the guitarist never showed up.

(lol)

Drumming mastermind Tatsuya Yoshida has been the backbone since Ruins' inception in '85 (and has operated solo since 2004), with a revolving-door of four bass players throughout the project.
Highly influenced by zeuhl pioneers Magma, Ruins followed suit implementing a fictional language, bounced back and forth in Ruins' distinct (& eventually charming) high-pitched yelps and wails.

I'm nearing completion in Ruins' discog, but recently stumbled on 'Burning Stone' from 1992, continuing the assumption that the band doesn't really have a bad release.
Anyone who has heard Ruins should feel right at home, but for the unfamiliar brace for Yoshida's wind-up flurry, microwaved bass, and overall barrage on your senses.

Burning Stone
+++++++++++
mind the graves

UI - answers

2009-12-29T12:38:00.006-07:00

UI (ooo-eee) were a post/math-rock group from New York active from the early 90's.
The band had a bit of a different approach in the genre with bass-heavy emphasis, opting for two bass players, à la groups like FULLARMOR. They also spruced their sound with timpani, tuba, synthesizers, and even banjo, with a strong reliance on overlapping samplers.

Came across their final full-length 'answers' (2003) recently, really diverse and fresh...could probably drop it in the pond somewhere between Tortoise and Don Caballero.

answers
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mind the graves

E-Life - Eleven

2009-12-22T10:53:00.005-07:00

E-Life (Elvis de Oliveira) is an MC/DJ from Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Active as a solo artist since '95, E-Life gained some attention touring through Europe, as well as minor radio-play from his initial singles -- climbing Dutch charts throughout his career. Oliveira released two full-lengths, his concluding 'E=MC²' in 2002, and his 1999 debut gem, 'Eleven'.

Tally up another for hip-hop gems; first listen through 'Eleven' clicked right away. Great flow/voice, sharp beats, little to minimal filler.
The album opens to bells and electronic chimes, which hints the pace -- everywhere from tasteful autotune to pulsing dirges from the outside (and in) of the game are explored by E-Life.

Not positive he's done or just hiatus...but be there if he returns.

Eleven
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mind the graves

AKA - Forever In Rock

2009-12-20T12:30:00.004-07:00

AKA were a hard-rock group from Indonesia in the 70's. Afro-centric vibes grounding mathematic prog, wailing vocals. Some nice jams.
A friend of mine passed this along after the recent death of their founder/lead singer Ucok.
Don't judge the book by its cover...
I once read an entire nude magazine with only words on the front.

Forever In Rock
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Magical Power Mako

2009-12-13T13:00:00.007-07:00

Aside from having one of the best names ever, Makoto Kurita's Magical Power Mako project is an underground staple in Japanese psych/avant garde.
Kurita left primary school to fulfill his musical itch, beginning to experiment with synths and integrated samples/field recordings. His house overlooked a hot springs and an octagonal hotel, which Kurita believed was watching him while he worked; spurring his first release at 14 -- 'Summer 1970: Things a 14-year-old boy thinks about' (if you're curious, the opening song was called "I Bought An Extraordinarily Big Eye In The Town One Day For A Good Bargain Price")

He recorded almost constantly afterward, but his perfectionist nature led to many tapes never seeing the light of day. This guarded behavior caused minor issues with record labels, but ultimately his debut 'Magical Power', followed particularly by 'Super Record', cemented Kurita as one of the exciting and inventive artists in the Japanese underground.

Kurita is still releasing work today (scattershot nature has swayed more toward tranquil ambient works), while work from his earlier catalog is still being unearthed and appreciated by experimental mavens alike.

Maybe not the kind of records you'll put on in groups, unless you're trippin on smarties candies or something -- but both albums are just great examples of creative introspection done right. Both cover a lot of ground but still manage to feel linked in their progression.
Def give these a try.

Magical Power [1973]
+++++++++++

Super Record [1975]
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mind the graves

Burn Down Rome - Devotion

2009-12-11T09:54:00.004-07:00

Burn Down Rome were a hardcore/experimental/punk sandwich from the UK that were sadly short-lived, with the debut/final full-length, 'Devotion' in 2008.

The first few songs sound like "you broke up with me", more straining and uppity melancholy, and then from "XO" onward (fuggin' amazing track, btw) sounds like "you BITCH!".
The flow has heart all across the tracks -- whichever avenue they chose to explore, it feels genuine.
Def a sleeper capable to be a grower.

Devotion
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Troubles - Sen'taur

2009-12-09T13:43:00.004-07:00

Troubles are a nice ambient/post-rock outfit from the UK.
Just recently stumbled across them with their '07-tour EP 'Sen'taur'. Little cramped on time for a proper write-up, but it's better to just listen to them opposed to me talking about the way I think they sound.
Yah' heard.

Sen'taur
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Dark Meat - Truce Opium

2009-12-06T12:09:00.003-07:00

Dark Meat is a collective from Athens, Georgia. The group once maintained a solid 30+ members -- all the more entertaining that the project started off as a Neil Young cover band.

The band still maintains their affinity for Neil, but has since reduced to a 9-core crew. Implementing drone instruments like the tanpura, bulbul tarang, and sitar, the group successfully strives for that new age psychedelic sound -- often leading you down rolling cascades of guitar before marching you back up to an accompanied folk-psychout complete with chanting vocals, Tuvan throat-singing, all within loose free-jazz layers of buzzes and feedback.

Good album to absorb in headphones to discover all the ins & outs.

Truce Opium
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Dangers - Messy, Isn't It?

2009-12-04T09:49:00.005-07:00

New Dangers.
Just in time to be an early-late favorite of the year. Expect the same to-the-throat bombast found on 'Anger'.

Messy, Isn't It?
+++++++++++
mind the graves