Saturday, February 26, 2011

Chain and the Gang: Music's Not For Everyone (K)

Chain and the Gang: Music's Not For Everyone (K) - Ian Svenonius' Chain and the Gang want to break free with lo-fi garage beat funk. Humorous spoken/sung lyrics with call/response female backup atop righteous keys, pedaled guitar, deep bass, heavy-hitting drums and hand percussion. Accomplices include Fred Thomas, Arrington de Dionyso, Brian Weber, Tara Jane O'Neil, Veronica Ortuño and Sara Pedal. Get your wicked groove on. Recommended. 1 2 4 6-7 10 11 13

A Hawk and a Hacksaw: Cervantine (L.M. Dupli-Cation)

A Hawk and a Hacksaw: Cervantine (L.M. Dupli-Cation) – For their 5th LP, Jeremy Barnes' A Hawk and a Hacksaw project brings Roma tradition home to Albuquerque, NM. Spanish and Mexican influences join the party, where traditional instruments like accordion, violin, bouzouki, trumpet, tuba, hand drums and more rejoice in dance. The spirit of "Don Quixote" and Spanish novelist Mguel de Cervantes' influential Cervantine style guide the passionate journey. Recommended. Play 1 2 3 5 7

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Tim Hecker: Ravedeath, 1972 (kranky)

Tim Hecker: Ravedeath, 1972 (kranky) - Recorded in Iceland on July 21, 2010 at Reykjavik's Frikirkjan Church, Tim Hecker utilizes pipe organ, computer, synthesizer, piano, microphone, and guitar amp feedback to portray how music in its pure form is under attack in a digital age. Serene echoes of organ are confronted by artificial noises, which worm their way into the hallowed halls and ultimately take control. As time passes, the tide slowly turns. The electronics seem to lull into a state of paralysis and death, allowing Air to once again to fill the organ with life. Nearly Highly Recommended. 3 4 9 11

Monday, February 14, 2011

The Luyas: Too Beautiful To Work (Dead Oceans)

The Luyas: Too Beautiful To Work (Dead Oceans) - Quebec quartet The Luyas craft space-age pop that’s sweet and subversive. A galaxy of orchestral elements are combined in measure to yield some really interesting arrangements. Their humming hues and echoed effects glide through varied atmospheres with the greatest of ease. RIYL: Stereolab, Au Revoir Simone Recommended. Play 1 2 3 4 6 9

Sidi Touré: Sahel Folk (Thrill Jockey)

Sidi Touré: Sahel Folk (Thrill Jockey) - The sophomore release from Mali guitarist Sidi Touré's was recorded at his sister's house in Gao, Mali. The nine field recordings feature Touré with a different friend on each piece. Touré's half-fingerpicked and half-strummed style creates both melody and rhythm simultaneously – similar to the late, unrelated Ali Farka Touré. These bluesy, repetitively hypnotic and deeply soulful tracks are truly inspiring. Recommended. Play 2 4 5 6

The Builders & The Butchers: Dead Reckoning (Badman)

The Builders & The Butchers: Dead Reckoning (Badman) - Portland, Oregon's The Builders and the Butchers' 3rd LP marks their Badman debut. A masterful brew of folk, blues and roots rock twang that weaves gothic stories from trusted threads of good/evil, addiction & religion. Ryan Sollee's fervent vocal invite you to sing along with the rollicking guitar & mandolin strums. As sure as the saloon will be swinging, Sunday repentance will come … in the meantime, just let the stars shine and the moon light your way. Nearly Highly Recommended. Play 1 3 5 6 7 12

Shugo Tokumaru: Port Entropy (Polyvinyl)

Shugo Tokumaru: Port Entropy (Polyvinyl) - Don't let the shadowless tree spook you, Shugo Tokumaru's fourth full-length brings a playful spirit and a sense of wonder to his bedroom recordings. His detailed, bedroom baroque arrangements use loads of unexpected instruments in building imaginative, lighthearted melodies. The all Japanese vocals add to the whimsy. Creative, cheerful Nearly Highly Recommended. Play 2 4 5 7 8 9