Deerhoof: Deerhoof vs Evil (Polyvinyl)

Deerhoof: Deerhoof vs Evil (Polyvinyl) - Sixteen years in, San Francisco's Deerhoof continues to fight the Evils of mainstream music. Their Polyvinyl debut was self-recorded, mixed and mastered. This chapter blasts earthy Congotronics into asymmetric orbits of otherworldly psych-pop. Undulating rhythmic blasts, layered percussive clamor, drifting keys, encoded bass and varied guitar accents propel the journey. Satomi Matsuzaki's confident, dynamic delivery focus the energy, for atomic bombs are going to explode, warning to you, warning to you. [Note: WDCE presented Deerhoof, Des ark, VCR, and the Billy Nayer Show at UR's Greek Amphitheater – on Sat. 9/17/2005] Nearly Highly Recommended. Play 1 2 3 4 6 11

Clinic: Bubblegum (Domino)

Clinic: Bubblegum (Domino) – The 6th album from Liverpool, UK art punk ensemble Clinic heads in a more subdued, Velvet Underground inspired direction. With songs awash in strings, harpsichords and dulcimers, it’s definitely a Sunday morning set. "Radiostory" resonates like a mellowed out "The Gift", only with a less tragic conclusion. Bubblegum has a dreamy, soundtrack feel that maintains the momentum to carry you forward. Recommended. Play 1 4 6 8 13

Ebo Taylor: Love & Death (Strut)

Ebo Taylor: Love & Death (Strut) - Thanks to his inclusion on several Soundway and Analog Africa compilations, Ghana highlife legend Ebo Taylor is finally reaching a wider audience. Known for fusing Ghanaian Highlife with Afrobeat and jazz, the now 74-year-old master presents a new album. Supported by Berlin based collective Afrobeat Academy (featuring members of Poets Of Rhythm, Kabu Kabu and Ghanaian legends Marijata) the tracks crackle with energy and authenticity. The propulsive rhythmic grooves open for incendiary rotating solos. His re-worked classic "Victory" is totally smoking. Nearly Highly Recommended. Start on 1 2 3 4 6

Highlife: Best Bless [ep] (The Social Registry)

Highlife: Best Bless [ep] (The Social Registry) - Conceived in the small island of Gaspar Grande off the coast of Trinidad, Best Bless is an EP of tropical psych-pop by Highlife. Masterminds Sleepy Doug Shaw and Mira Billotte of White Magic (Drag City) named this project Highlife for its feeling of rejoicing, high consciousness and, of course, the guitar styles influenced by African 'Highlife' music. Let the layered guitars, breezy keys, Caribbean percussion and sing-along vocals carry you away. Recommended. Play 2 3 4

Various Artists: Fania Essential Recordings: Salsa Explosion: The New York Salsa Revolution 1969-1979 (Strut)

Various Artists: Fania Essential Recordings: Salsa Explosion: The New York Salsa Revolution 1969-1979 (Strut) - Without a doubt, NYC's Fania Records and its artists produced some of the best Salsa music ever recorded. The genera's formative heavy hitters are well represented on this 65+ minute collection guaranteed to get you dancing. This is the inaugural release in Strut's mining of Fania's rich catalog. Nearly Highly Recommended.
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Bruce Haack: Farad- The Electric Voice (Stones Throw)

Bruce Haack: Farad- The Electric Voice (Stones Throw) - A collection of vocoder-based electronic recordings from late music pioneer Bruce Haack (1931-1988). Beginning his career in commercial and children's music, this set starts off with his rock-influenced conceptual album "Electric Lucifer", where earth was caught in the middle of a war between heaven and hell. Farad, the name he gave his self-made vocoder, was a forerunner. Coupled with Moog and homemade synthesizers, he advanced electronic music with his psychedelic, futuristic sound. Recommended. Play 1 2 3 6 10 14

Swans: My Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope to the Sky (Young God)

Swans: My Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope to the Sky (Young God) - Michael Gira re-conviens his ensemble Swans for another chapter of American underground rock. Shadowed spiritual music that invites you in with chiming bells, and before you realize what's happening, you are asunder in fire and brimstone. Driving rhythms pull you through, as various sonic layers fly past at a dizzying pace. Set yourself free. Recommended. Play 1 2 5 (FCC 3)