this record was one of my more highly anticipated releases for 2016, and i am happy to say it does not disappoint. the vibe is almost twin peaks-ish. the interplay is so sophisticated, played with great dynamics, restraint, and elegance. a shimmering, beautiful record. dig it.
_alibi
brit pop that never quite got famous across the pond. i found out about this from a facebook friend whom i've never actually met in real life, jackson from pittsburgh white boy rappers grand buffet. good stuff.
_DJ Vernix
best drummer in heavy metal right now by a landslide. this record stands among their best work. they are like the Yes, Rush, King Krimson type of band for 2016. Steely Dan levels of perfectionism and effort went into this recording. nerd music made by nerds for nerds to listen to while they do nerd things thinking nerd thoughts. dig it.
_pert plus
self-released on her own label. bought this cd when i saw her perform last week with craig taborn. if you know of a better contemporary jazz pianist than this woman, i want to know about him or her. kris davis is godzilla of the blacks and the whites. buy it here.
_alibi
so beautiful, if you like volume 1, grab volume 2 for more goodness.
_alibi
listening to this record while taking a shower the other day made me feel like this is music that feels very 2016 to me. the beats come and go like a thermostat sensing when the heat needs turned up and when you just need to chill out. smart record.
_mink nun
among the best pop music that 2016 has to offer. this record puts out a wavelength that i aspire to be on most days. fun tunes.
_alibi
one of two records put out this year by this young chilean gentleman. this man was one half of the group darkside, who's lp from 2013, called 'psychic', i enjoyed very much. this particular record, 'sirens', i find to be a bit wobbly inso far as it has its ups and downs. it's generally pleasant background 2016 music. could be fitting for a decent movie soundtrack... or could be just as appropriate for a volkswagen commercial.
_mink nun
i can not remember what turned me on to this magical album years and years ago. i have become fanatical about the less conservative realms of choral music, and this record and volume 2 in this series are true precious precious gems in my collection. i went to a friend of a friend's wedding, and the yale slavic choir sang selections from these two records, and it was sublime.
_alibi
this band has a totally boring band name. death fortress? seriously, fellas? i can just imagine the conversation that led up to that name. "guys, the show is on thursday. we seriously need to decide on a name. rick, i already told you, i am not cool with calling the band sacraficial enema, ok? just drop it. wait, what? you told the booker we were called death fortress? are you serious? because my mom's basement is like a death fortress. funny, rick, really, i'm in stitches. look, we're lucky she even lets us practice here. fuck it, you guys don't even care, so why should i?" the cover artwork looks like they asked for something that blends m.c. escher with scooby doo. the count chocula font is certainly a classic look, if that's what you're going for. but guess what guys. guys? this album rips. unlike so many bands who sound so squeaky clean that it feels like their album just got back from a visit to the dentist, this band sounds like they are in the room with you ready to tear you a new one. dig it.
_mink nun
_mink nun