13ghosts - The Strangest Colored Lights

13ghosts are an indie/alternative group from Alabama, directed by guitar/vocalists Brad Armstrong and Buzz Russel. I've been a fan of the group since their debut EP, 'We Are The Sun' -- namely the opening track "I Have Brought Fire".

The band exhibits purity to their music that's often lost or forced in their neck of the woods, which on their latest 2008 release, 'The Strangest Colored Lights', is expanded upon with more diverse songs -- almost to the point that every track sounds like a re-invented band. The sincerity of the group is instantly felt, with every repeat listen (for myself, anyways) a nod of appreciation.

One of 2008's gems, no doubt.

The Strangest Colored Lights
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Ungdomskulen - Cry-Baby

I was a fan of Norway's Ungdomskulen the moment I heard their 2007 release 'Cry-Baby' -- a progressive/noise/post-punk album that hit perfect on (near) all marks. The trio meld together seamlessly, ultimately resulting in the nodding of head and tapping of foot.

Ungdomskulen is currently recording their follow-up album, and the possibilites seem endless with where they go next.

..and as tradition of the post prior, bad cover-art rears its head. The music is good. I swear. Watch the video:

"Modern Drummer"

Cry-Baby
+++++++++++
mind the graves

The Mirimar Disaster - Volumes

The facial-hair hierarchy

The Mirimar Disaster are an exciting band from Sheffield, UK -- a metal band with raw vocals, great complimentary guitars, and a drummer who never stops. The band is praised for their energetic live show (touring with the likes of 65DoS, These Arms Are Snakes, Mastodon) -- which on 'Volumes' the band tried and succeeded in capturing.

Solid mini-album (people all about the "mini-album" these days) from a great up-&-coming group. I guarantee it sounds better than the album cover looks.

Volumes
+++++++++++
mind the graves

BLOOD ON WEDDING DRESS - Japan Tour EP

AGUA..

I have a dilemma. It is Monday. My daughter is getting married on Saturday. I somehow got what appears to be two tiny spots of blood (possibly from a pin prick) on my dress. The dress is a mint green (100% polyester). Any suggestions on how to get these spots out without marking the dress?
- XXXX from , PA

Malaysia's doppelganger to Dillinger Escape Plan? Who knows (who cares?) -- but they certainly pack a punch into this 10-minute EP. A band to watch, no doubt.

Japan Tour EP Six Songs [2007]
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Jesca Hoop

Jesca Hoop is a singer/songwriter who started her musical career being a nanny for Tom Waits' children; Waits' reaction to her music, he said, "was like going swimming in a lake at night".

I first heard Hoop on the 'KCRW: Morning Becomes Eclectic' broadcast in 2004 (Waits apparently gave KCRW her demo), falling in lurve instantly with her beautifully lush voice. Later in 2007, she released her debut album, 'Kismet' -- which featured many of the songs on the KCRW show, as well as new tracks.

I really enjoy both, but the KCRW show is my favorite, as I feel some of the intimacy of the songs is lost in the production of 'Kismet', or shown in a different light. Both are great though, def give these a listen.

"Silverscreen" (KCRW)

KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic (2004)
+++++++++++



Kismet
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Dela - Changes of Atmosphere

Plz press the ANYKEY

Dela is a hip-hop producer from France, gaining recognition in the blog-realm after finishing 'Changes of Atmosphere' -- an album two years in the making full of great guest-spots and beats.

One of the more relaxed yet focused hip-hop albums this year, def among my favorites in 2008.

***

1. Changes Of Atmosphere (Intro) feat. Liza Garza
2. I Say Peace feat. J-Live
3. Live The Life feat. J. Sands
4. The City feat. J-Live & Surreal
5. Won’t Do feat. Miles Bonny
6. Stress feat. Queens Connex & Termanology
7. Long Life feat. Talib Kweli
8. Veuillez Veiller Sur Vos Reves feat. Les Nubians & John Banzai
9. Vibrate feat. Blu
10. How To Fish feat. Reach
11. The Plan feat. Dynas & Lucian
12. It Is What It Is feat. Naledge
13. Chill feat. Large Professor & Meemee Nelzy
14. Changes Of Atmosphere feat. Supastition
15. Live The Life (Original Mix) feat. J. Sands
16. Chill (Lark Chillout Mix) feat. Large Professor

***

Changes of Atmosphere
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Phantomsmasher - Phantomsmasher

Phantomsmasher (formerly Atomsmasher) is primarily the mind-child of James Plotkin, with the assistance of human drum-machine Dave Witte and voice-ripping from DJ SPEEDRANCH. While Witte's impressive drumming can lull in spots (little bit of double-bass overkill), on the whole he's a force of precision and speed, filling the gaps between distorted voice-samples that linger about insanity.

One of the more interesting albums I've heard lately -- sometimes reminds me of Lightning Bolt with the tones they capture. Some tracks stand-out more than others -- but overall just a solid album with some fresh ideas. A follow-up album is (and has been) in the works.

Phantomsmasher (also Atomsmasher) [2000/2002]
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Al Di Meola

Al Di Meola is primarily a jazz fusion/Latin jazz guitarist, known for his work in Return to Forever and his myriad of solo albums and collaborations.

After hearing his first solo album 'Land of the Midnight Sun', it's easy to see how Meola is regarded as one of the greatest to pick up the guitar -- further still with collaborations alongside the legendary John McLaughlin/Paco De Lucia starting with 1980's, 'Friday Night in San Francisco'.

Al Di is di man, absolutely give a listen.

"Egyptian Danza" (off the 'Casino' album)

Land of the Midnight Sun [1976]
+++++++++++



Friday Night in San Francisco [1980]
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Ozric Tentacles

Ozric Tentacles are a mostly-instrumental psychedelic/prog/funk group from Somerset, England. The band has been active for over twenty years, earning a big following in the festival circuit for their elaborate live shows.

Gong and similar groups outlined their early sound, but the Ozrics quickly gave the music their own personality -- with albums like 'Erpland' and 'Jurassic Shift'. I mean, if you name your band after a fictional brand of cereal -- and arrive at Ozric Tentacles -- you're doing something right.

Erpland
+++++++++++



Jurassic Shift
+++++++++++
mind the graves

90 Day Men - Panda Park

'Panda Park' was the final album from 90 Day Men. I'd fill you in on the paticulahs, but the best discoveries are found through uncertainty, mang.

Panda Park
+++++++++++
mind the graves

Alphonse Mouzon - Mind Transplant

Alphonse Mouzon is an incredible drummer who first gained recognition with his prog-rock group The Eleventh House, alongside virtuoso guitar-player Larry Coryell. Mouzon was cited as one of the main influences to Led Zeppelin, played with many of fusion's best (including Miles Davis on the 'Dingo' soundtrack, Herbie Hancock, etc) -- all of whom spoke highly of his talent and demeanor (read: cool mothafucka').

I think one of the highlights in his career is his 1976 solo album, 'Mind Transplant'. His drumming in The Eleventh House is top-form too, but the band often comes off as Mahavishnu-lite (which is still a compliment), whereas 'Mind Transplant' is a great unique mix of his earlier and later sound.

Mind Transplant
+++++++++++
mind the graves

volcano! - Beautiful Seizure

Hailing from Chicago, volcano! caught some buzz with their debut album, 'Beautiful Seizure' -- a spastic and beautiful...well, fuck, like it says -- a beautiful seizure. Expect more jangle than valet-pockets, raw Thom Yorke style vocals, and all-together chaotic beauty.

They have a follow-up release called 'Paperwork', which is worth checking out for some select songs (namely "Africa Just Wants To Have Fun"), but pales in comparison to 'Beautiful Seizure'.

Now eat that slice 'a pie.

Beautiful Seizure
+++++++++++
mind the graves