Electronic & Dance Music: drum n bass/ jungle, electro, breakbeat/ nu skool breaks, industrial/ electro-industrial/ ebm, synth pop/ electroclash, techno/tech house/deep house/progressive house, psychedelic trance, IDM/ experimental electronics/ ambient/ glitch sounds/ folktronica/ downbeat, jazztronica/ electro-jazz, leftfield/ instrumental/ electronified hip-hop/trip-hop. Rock Music: art-rock/ avant-prog/ avant rock, electro-rock/ epic alt-rock, experimental rock, jazz-rock, kraut rock/ math rock/ post-hardcore/ post-rock/ space-rock, darkwave/ gothic/ ethereal, dark metal, hardcore/ metalcore/ noisecore, post punk and shoegazer/dream pop sounds. Other Orbits:Kozmigroov, avant / free jazz, dub, modern composition, improvised music and many other hybrids and musical mutations.
Age: I entered this world in 1970. A British Blogger.
2008 ALBUM RELEASES: 2008 FORTHCOMING ALBUMS
using rateyourmusic.com: 2008 Album Releases [Updated Regularly]
This information is updated on a continual basis.
[These dates apply to the UK and can change as record companies/distributors do have a habit of messing us around!]
Earplug is a bimonthly email magazine, delivering a handpicked selection of news, sounds, videos, and original features for the international electronic music community. # posted by DJ Martian 7:42 PM
Uncut magazine website has been redesigned. # posted by DJ Martian 7:09 PM
One of late DJ John Peel's favourite bands, punk veterans The Fall, have come top of his annual listeners' vote to find the best songs of the year. # posted by DJ Martian 12:55 PM
The following table displays the highest-scoring albums for the year in Metacritic's database with a minimum of 7 reviews. Also listed at the bottom of the page are year-end top ten lists provided by various critics and publications. # posted by DJ Martian 12:49 PM
I am surprised bloggers aren't using rateyourmusic as a complementary web tool to present their favourite albums of the year lists. # posted by DJ Martian 12:18 PM
2004 in the Mix
Seattle Weekly's music writers were asked to compile a CD-R of their favorite music from the year. Here's what they came up with. # posted by DJ Martian 10:24 PM
ep of the year: park avenue music - for your home or office
reissues of the year: m83 & asobi seksu
01- the walkmen - bows & arrows
02- tv on the radio - desperate youth, blood thirsty babes
03- delays - faded seaside glamour
04- the legends - up against the legends
05- ambulance ltd - self titled
06- skywave - synthstatic
07- arcade fire - funeral
08- lali puna - faking the books
09- secret machines - now where is nowhere
10- boyracer - absence makes the heart grow harder
11- fennesz - venice
12- blonde redhead - misery is a butterfly
13- air - talkie walkie
14- french kicks - trial of the century
15- magnet - on your side
16- brother kite - self titled
17- xiu xiu - fabulous muscles
18- amusement parks on fire - self titled
19- efterklang - tripper
20- helio sequence - love and distance
21- color filter - silent way
22- lorna - this time, each year
23- monster movie - to the moon
24- lassie foundation - face your fun
25- the autumns - self titled
This years list seems to be a little bit more varied than in past years. There's a little bit of experimental pop, a little bit of jazz, a lot of darker ambient, some modern classical, and even a touch of country (along with the indie rock). As always, there were some things that I thought I would love that did very little for me and some smaller releases that pretty much came out of nowhere and kicked my ass. Overall, it was a very solid year, and as always I'm sure there were some things that I didn't manage to even hear
Top Albums of 2004 Reader List (send yours in!)
Please follow the format below (if you know HTML and can send them in using the same source code, I'd be even more thankful) with between 10-15 picks when submitting your list. Thank you to everyone who has sent in a list thusfar!
so far:
(44 total / 14 countries representing) # posted by DJ Martian 6:34 PM
Listed in the December 2004 issue of US electronic music magazine, XLR8R.
Madvillian - Madvilliany
Air - Talkie Walkie
Moodyman - Black Mahogany
Diplo - Florida
Prince - Musicology
The Foreign Exchange - Connected
Colder - Again
Lyrics Born- Later That Day
808 State - Prebuild
Blockhead - Music By Cavelight
Otto Von Schirach - Global Speaker Fisting
Roy Davis Jr - Chicago Forever
[Thanks to blog reader, Arthit for sending the list via email] # posted by DJ Martian 5:18 PM
Monday, December 27, 2004
ILM has a Wire 2004 Rewind Thread - listing The Wire magazine's favourite albums of 2004. # posted by DJ Martian 5:34 PM
Basement Galaxy have completed their best albums of 2004 feature. # posted by DJ Martian 5:23 PM
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Stylus now have their Top 40 Albums of 2004 feature completed, including individual writers lists. # posted by DJ Martian 11:48 AM
Reminder: Vitalic on Radio 1 tonight on Rob da Bank show
His first release was "Absolut" in 2001 (produced with Al Ferox) which was followed by the massive underground International DeeJay Gigolo "Poney Ep". Fanfares was his latest EP which was released on Pias. His debut album will be out sometime in 2005.
Apparently it's a 1 hour mix from Maida Vale studios. # posted by DJ Martian 9:42 PM
number 1 album: Mastodon - Leviathan. # posted by DJ Martian 5:34 PM
The latest newsletter from distributor, Southern Records: SOUTHERN | word:
WHAT TREASURES LURK IN WORD 35?
* Quizmaster Butler's Stocking Filling Competition!
Win loads of CDs and show off your obscure musical knowledge in the
process!
* Forthcoming and New Release Round-Up.
Information on all our fabulous current releases.
* Cat On Form Spotlight Review of their Last EP.
Read what it sounds like here first, in this thoughful retrospective.
* Latitudes by name - Latitudes by Nature.
Sneak preview of our Southern Sessions Series.
* Navigate This Empty Field.
Evens Feature / Interview with Ian MacKaye.
* Introductory Feature on TRIXIE DVD.
What exactly is a DVD label? Who cares when it's this good?
* Romancing the Norse.
Interview with John Kaada about his recent collaboration with Mike
Patton.
* Hoover Live Review.
A critical analysis of the band's first performances in 12 years.
* Q And Not U Live Review.
A treatise on dance, or just a live review? You decide.
* Southern End of Year Review
A list of all our favourite...
i) Records of 2004
ii) Gigs of 2004
iii) Bands that could've been chocolate bars (oh yes! we get loads
done on a Friday afternoon believe me!) # posted by DJ Martian 5:01 PM
50 Xiu Xiu: Fabulous Muscles [5RC
49 Max Richter: The Blue Notebooks [FatCat]
48 Loretta Lynn: Van Lear Rose [Interscope]
47 Comets on Fire: Blue Cathedral [Sub Pop]
46 Iron & Wine: Our Endless Numbered Days [Sub Pop]
45 The Concretes: The Concretes [Astralwerks]
44 Camera Obscura: Underachievers Please Try Harder [Merge]
43 Scissor Sisters: Scissor Sisters [Polydor]
42 DJ/Rupture: Special Gunpowder [Tigerbeat6]
41 Les Savy Fav: Inches [Frenchkiss]
40 The Walkmen: Bows and Arrows [Recordcollection]
39 Cee-Lo: Cee-Lo Green Is a Soul Machine [Arista]
38 Morrissey: You Are the Quarry [Attack]
37 Jóhann Jóhannsson: Virðulegu forsetar [Touch]
36 Excepter: KA [Fusetron]
35 Mirah: C'mon Miracle [K]
34 Espers: Espers [Locust]
33 The Futureheads: The Futureheads [679]
32 Califone: Heron King Blues [Perishable]
31 De La Soul: The Grind Date [Sanctuary Union]
30 William Basinski: The Disintegration Loops [2062]
29 A.C. Newman: The Slow Wonder [Matador]
28 Junior Boys: Last Exit [Kin/Domino]
27 Interpol: Antics [Matador]
26 Franz Ferdinand: Franz Ferdinand [Domino]
25 VA: DFA Compilation #2 [DFA]
24 TV on the Radio: Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes [Touch & Go]
23 Modest Mouse: Good News for People Who Love Bad News [Epic]
22 The Foreign Exchange: Connected [BBE]
21 Fennesz: Venice [Touch]
20 Air: Talkie Walkie [Astralwerks]
19 Björk: Medulla [Elektra]
18 Kanye West: The College Dropout [Rocafella]
17 Sufjan Stevens: Seven Swans [Asthmatic Kitty]
16 Dizzee Rascal: Showtime [XL]
15 Annie: Anniemal [679]
14 Erlend Øye: DJ-Kicks [!K7]
13 Dungen: Ta Det Lugnt [Subliminal]
12 M.I.A. / Diplo: Piracy Funds Terrorism, Vol. 1 [Hollertronix]
11 Sonic Youth: Sonic Nurse [Interscope]
10 Joanna Newsom: The Milk-Eyed Mender [Drag City]
09 Ghostface: The Pretty Toney Album [Def Jam]
08 The Go! Team: Thunder Lightning Strike [Memphis Industries]
07 Devendra Banhart: Rejoicing in the Hands [Young God]
06 Madvillain: Madvillainy [Stones Throw]
05 Brian Wilson: Smile [Nonesuch]
04 The Fiery Furnaces: Blueberry Boat [Rough Trade]
03 The Streets: A Grand Don't Come for Free [Vice]
02 Animal Collective: Sung Tongs [Fat Cat]
01 The Arcade Fire: Funeral [Merge] # posted by DJ Martian 4:24 PM
The latest Eternal Fusion show is now available to listen online @ Eternal Fusion
Streaming available on demand until replaced with new show.
22nd December 2004
Playlist:
Charles Goff III - 'Noisy Jingle Bells'
The Zodiac - 'Capricorn - The Uncapricious Climber'
Master Musicians Of Bukkake - 'Pipestone Octopus With Horseheart'
The Residents - 'Beyond The Valley Of A Day In The Life'
University Of Errors - 'Shooting At The Moon'
And The Lefthanded - 'Rocket Rock'
Farflung - 'Candied Electronic Atmospheres'
Sun City Girls - 'Nyne De Gris Sang'
John Berberian & The Rock East Ensemble - 'Flying Hye'
Badmarsh & Shri - 'Tribal'
Scorch Trio - 'Snækje Rojnd Nævinj'
Múm - 'The Land Between Solar Systems'
Wibutee - 'We Are In Space, So Are You'
Mice Parade - 'Organic Reproduction Attempt'
Univers Zero - 'Falling Rain Dance'
Delia Gonzalez And Gavin Russom - 'Relevee'
Nico - 'Winter Song'
L - 'Blues Trip #1'
Cerberus Shoal - 'Breakaway Cable Terminal'
John Zorn/Yamataka Eye - 'Kiri Taki'
Mono - '2 Candles, 1 Wish'
The Album Leaf - 'Glisten'
Tarentel - 'Bump Past, Cut Up Through Windows'
Hidria Spacefolk - 'Modus Operand Hermetik'
Okko - 'East Indian Traffic'
Handgjort - 'Over The Wall'
Elektrum - 'Opus 9'
The Boats - 'And There Are Stars That Fell From The Sky'
Igloo - 'To Be There'
Rainstick Orchestra - 'Waltz For Little Bird'
Matthew Shipp - 'New ID'
Stereolab - 'International Colouring Contest'
Harry Partch - 'The Waterfall'
Alice Coltrane - 'Translinear Light'
Daedelus's new album coming out on 3/14 on Ninjatune.
Tracklisting:
1. Dearly Departed
2. Impending DOOM (featuring MF Doom)
3. Just Briefly, Move on (with Sci)
4. Now & Sleep (starring Laura Darling)
5. The Crippled Hand
6. Welcome Home (Prefuse 73 Danse Macabre)
7. Cadavre Exquis (avec TTC)
8. Drops (CYNE Collaboration)
9. Fallen Love
10. Welcome Home (with Mike Ladd)
11. i Sent Off ii Sus Per Coil (Jogger Remix)
12. The Trains Are Now So Clean
13. Tanatopsis (featuring Hrishikesh Hirway) # posted by DJ Martian 7:28 PM
How collectively [established] music magazines & other media [including Broadcasters, webzines] end of year polls view music in 2004
Collated by Henrik Franzon, using data from various end of year polls and Metacritic scores - then number crunched using algorithms. # posted by DJ Martian 12:54 PM
After server problems: I Love Music is back. # posted by DJ Martian 11:53 AM
New Releases @ Piccadilly Records - for Week of December 20th
Some new releases listed in the weekly guide [via e-mail] from Manchester's music emporium: Piccadilly Records
The Court & Spark - Dead Diamond River Lo-Max
This release sees The Court & Spark in all their emotional, winsome, soaring glory. Five beautiful, diverting and wind-swept songs from the hills of San Francisco. "Dead Diamond River" features guest vocal appearances by folk legend Linda Thompson and up-and-coming talent M. Ward (Merge Records).
July Skies - The English Cold Make Mine
July Skies is the musical project of Antony Harding, a member of the Birmingham based electronic band Avrocar who were cited as an influence by Radiohead during the recording their experimental album "Kid A". July Skies debut album "Dreaming Of Spires" is a pastoral departure from the dark skittery urban beats of Avrocar and treads the path of reflective dreamlike compositions that are heavily anchored in childhood memories and a lost 1950/60s English countryside. Musically, think The Durutti Column, the melancholy of Piano Magic, Maurice Deebank (Felt) or Robin Guthrie (Cocteau Twins).
Lee Ranaldo - Music For Stage And Screen DSA
"Music For The Stage And Screen" features original music composed and constructed by Lee Ranaldo for theatre plays produced in Italy and the USA and movie soundtracks. Best known as a member of Sonic Youth, Lee Ranaldo has also worked with some of the most influential and important experimental musicians around, Glenn Branca, Jim O'Rourke to name but two. "Music For The Stage And Screen" is a collection of voluminous soundscapes constructed out of looped guitar fragments, a kind of improvised noise jam similar in spirit to Sonic Youth's recent trio of instrumental EPs.
La Dusseldorf - La Dusseldorf / Viva Estrella Rockera
Two classic Krautrock albums on one CD!! And they're remastered!!! Featuring the talents of Neu!'s Klaus and Thomas Dinger, these were recorded in 1975 and 1978 and were more synth driven and slightly poppier than the Neu! output but they have remained high on Kraut collectors lists for a long time.
Thomas Fehlmann - Lowflow Plug Research
Fehlmann's multi-faceted musical history has seen him work with the likes of the Orb, Maurizio, Tresor, Robert Fripp and Klaus Schulze to name but a few. This new venture on Plug Research takes him (and the listener) on yet another aural journey, taking in downtempo, hiptronica, minimal techno, jazz, dub and more over it's thirteen hetrogeneous tracks. These include three short interludes coproduced with Detroit's Dabrye.
Pita - Get Off Hapna
This is the fourth solo album from groundbreaking sound artist Pita (real name Peter Rehberg). His previous solo albums as Pita (all on the Mego label) have all been landmarks in electronic music. His sound ranges from furious to minimalistic, but always with the same uncompromising attitude. "Get Off" is his most varied album to date. Apart from his solo work, he is also a member of several groups, notably Mimeo (with Keith Rowe, Rafael Toral, Marcus Schmickler, Jerome Noetinger and others) and Fenn O'Berg (with Christian Fennesz and Jim O'Rourke). He is also one of the persons behind the influential Mego label.
This quarter's Chaser includes interviews with SA-RA Creative Partners, Nicola Conte, Raphael Saadiq, Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 and Zap Mama. There's also features on London Elektricity and HVW8 artists collective, plus enough reviews (records, CDs, books, DVDs, objects), news and charts (Gilles, Osunlade, Nicola Conte, Dom Servini, Shrine Posse, Bugz In The Attic, Mark De Clive-Lowe, Rainer Truby, Volcov etc) to keep you busy through to the new year. # posted by DJ Martian 12:06 AM
Monday, December 20, 2004
New Releases @ Piccadilly Records - for Week of December 13th
Some new releases listed in the weekly guide [via e-mail] from Manchester's music emporium: Piccadilly Records
Radio Dept - Ewan Xl
Great shoegazery pop from this band from Malmo, Sweden. "Ewan" is taken from their debut album "Lesser Matters" and is backed with two new B sides, the instrumental "Slottet", and the spectacular "The Things That Went Wrong", which hints at the direction for the next Radio Dept album.
KT Tunstall - Eye To The Telescope Relentless
This is a lushly produced singer/songwriter guitar pop album and if the sweet, plaintive vocals initially set 'Dido' alarm bells ringing, it soon becomes clear that prime-time Fleetwood Mac or early Sinead O'Connor would be more accurate reference points. She's Scottish and has sung with Oi-Va-Voi, and though the sound is polished (in a very tasty way, mind, with Doves/New Order man Steve Osbourne twiddling the knobs) there's cool touchstones- Patti Smith, Joni Mitchell, Sixties girl groups- and clever words to keep you inspired. It's a lovely record.
Black Mayonnaise - Ttssattsr Emperor Jones
A one man bedroom sludge attack, like early Sebadoh dismantling St Vitus albums, this is as gloopy as it gets, warped lunar sludge core for want of a better term, there's even a Butthole Surfers cover version hidden in the mire, remember the bedroom ambience stuff a few years back, this is the flip of that coin, nasty, dirty, downtuned, a one man psych sludge nightmare, the word sludge comes up a lot, basically, this is a damn fine recording of some lo-fi speaker melting!
David Carretta - Kill Your Radio International DJ Gigolo
No doubt, there are a million reasons why everybody should kill their radio, but a far better way to show averseness is to present an elaborate and even subtle piece of music to the world, combining supreme electronic house music with metropolitan style. David Carretta does not disappoint. With artistic compassion, the know-how of a congenial producer, and his unique brand of charm, Carretta succeeds in conveying a wide range of emotions, from relaxed and harmonic to wild and ecstatic. His vocals are laconic and seductive, and his sounds are demanding and eccentric. The end product is a very fine example of the most unique David Carretta style; electroclash par excellence.
Cat On Form - A Blanket Over Your Eyes Southern
Cat On Form got together in Brighton late 2001, and quickly became a powerful live force, making a distinct impression on their audience with their fierce and intelligent post-hardcore and passion by the arm load. "A Blanket Over Your Eyes" is their final album, a far more introspective effort than previous releases, the paradigm shifting from the political to the personal. Dark and apocalyptic, this album is more reflective of their intense live performances.
Various Artists / Runeology 2 Rune
Special low price 70 minute sampler including tracks from recent and current releases as well as tracks from forthcoming 2005 albums. Artists featured are Deathprod, Arve Henriksen, Phonophani, Strønen/Storløkken, Scorch Trio, Food, Nils Økland, Alog, Shining and Archetti/Wiget. # posted by DJ Martian 11:49 PM
New Releases @ Piccadilly Records - for Week of December 6th
Some new releases listed in the weekly guide [via e-mail] from Manchester's music emporium: Piccadilly Records
65Daysofstatic - Retreat! Retreat! Monotreme
The first single from the critically acclaimed debut album, "The Fall Of Math". Seamless guitar shapes with ferocious drum 'n' bass styled beats, live drums and c-c-c-computer g-g-g-g-glitch create a soundtrack to a new dimension - where rock, dance and electronica are equals. In addition to the album track "Retreat! Retreat!" there are two new tracks.
Amusement Parks On Fire - Venosa / Eighty Eight Invada
Amusement Parks On Fire release their new double A-side single "Venosa" / "Eighty Eight" on Invada. The tracks are taken from their recently released self-titled debut album. Formed by 19 year old frontman Michael Feerick, Nottingham based Amusement Parks On Fire inhabit the world of God Speed You Black Emperor, The Pixies, My Bloody Valentine and Sigur Ros. This is a no frills indie rock record with all the parts in the right place, raw and untouched by the grubby hands of over egged production with the writing purity of a new young british talent.
Fiver - Let It All Fall Down Devil In The Woods
Smashing all things before it and surpassing all expectation. Fiver delivers their 4th and most definitive record to date. Utilizing an amazing amalgamation of distorted guitars, intricate rhythms and keyboard swells. "Let It All Fall Down" is an amazing listen from start to finish. A small cast of Los Angeles indie rock super heroes (including former Grandaddy keyboardist Dan Lillie) play a part in the making of this record. For Fans of: TV on the Radio, Grandaddy & Pedro The Lion.
Henry Flynt & The Insurrections - I Don't Wanna Locust
Our man Flynt shatters the categories once again with this surprise collection of his short lived basement rock protest band, The Insurrections, from 1966. Let there be no doubt in anyone's mind: Flynt's version of protest music isn't your cultural-commissar school of folk posturing. It's agro and Flynt is an unhinged showman on helium induced vox and electric guitar (his teacher was none other than Lou Reed). Imagine a mix of Sky Saxon (of Seeds fame) with a dash of Roky Erickson on vocals, a little bit of The Cramps' scary monster dramatics thrown in for good measure and the swamp chugalug laziness of vintage Pussy Galore and you get an idea what Flynt was up to at this phase in his non-career.
Henry Flynt - Back Porch Hillbilly Blues Volumes 1&2 Bo Weavil
Henry Flynt is a genuine one-off and his wildly varying releases are only now reaching a deserved, wider audience. This disc contains fiddle and ukelele instrumentals recorded in the early 1960s. They're full of a mad sort of boogaloo folk. The highlight is the zen meditation piece "Blue Sky, Highway and Tyme" it's a fifteen minute gem.
The Last Town Chorus - The Last Town Chorus Blast First Petite
The Last Town Chorus, the Brooklyn-based duo of Nat Guy on guitar and Megan Hickey on lapsteel and vocals, play gentle, minimal and mesmerizing songs in the vein of Liz Fraser, Cat Power, Mary Lorson and Jesse Sykes. Their debut album is a hypnotic wonder - the seemingly ramdon strains and bursts of the lapsteel create a foggy dream-pop effect, soaring over Guy's simple strumming. The songs sparkle with warmth but are delicate enough to cause lethargy. Apparently they occasionally play live with drummers, pianists and violinists, but for the time being their strength is in being sparing; their haunting songs are uncluttered enough to suck in your energy and make you sleep. And that's a good thing...
Asja Auf Capri - Novi Ronde Difficult Fun
Some of you will remember Asja Auf Capri from the wonderful Difficult Fun sampler 7". They're currently causing a stir from their East London base and comprise of David Panos and German singer Anja Kirschner who are both in another Difficult Fun band, Antifamily. Their sound harks back to the early 80s times of lo-fi DIY sounds, complete with cool (cold) Germanic vocals, punk-funk rhythms and warped avant electronics. A superb album!!!
Emery Reel - ... For And Acted Upon Through Diversions Resonant
Emery Reel proudly employ the tried & tested quiet / loud dynamic, with pensive moments turning into a gigantic wall of sound - and they also display a rare ability to utilise subtleties that give their work distinguishing features and inject much-needed freshness into an over-populated musical field. The real beauty herein lies with the mesmerizing, simplistic and beautiful arrangements - often subdued and understated, yet complexed and full of emotion, with the music going through movements in the same manner as classical compositions. While the obvious parallels (Mogwai / GYBE! / Explosions in the Sky / Tortoise / Scenic) undeniably apply, this is powerful, accomplished body of work that belies their position as debutants.
Souvaris - I Felt Nothing At All Bearos
Souvaris are a six piece instrumental band. They exploring tone, melody, rhythm and noise in vast and intricately constructed arrangements designed to envelop and overwhelm the audience - you don't so much listen to their music as feel it. The obvious reference points are gods of post-rock like Labradford, Godspeed You Black Emperor!, Aerial M and Mogwai. In the presence of such big boys of the scene it's something of a feat in itself that Souvaris have managed to carve their initials into the playground post-rock tree. The CD comes in a rather fancy digipac. The cover and booklet are exclusive comic drawings by John Porcellino of "King Cat" fame.
Guru Guru - Guru Guru Brain
Although the first three albums released by the experimental / fun krautrockers had met with mixed reactions, their fourth self-titled album won high praise from the critics. This album is one of Guru Guru's most important recordings, something which is also attributable to the fantastic "Der Elektrolurch", the electronic amphibian that was to become Mani Neumeier's trademark as well as his alter ego.
Harmonia - Musik Von Harmonia Brain
Sublime Kraut rock album, and one of the best in my humble opinion!!, from the combined talents of Michael Rother from Neu! and Moebius and Roedelius of Cluster fame.
John Tejada - Logic Memory Center Plug Research
One week he's doing post rock, the next he's back onto pure techno and this week sees the Los Angeles enigma recording a techno album for Plug Research that features guest vocalists with the likes Carl Finlow and glistening futuristic executions. At times minimal and abrasive, at others beguiling and gentle, John Tejada cuts another facet onto his flawless reputation
Minus 8 - Eclectica Stereo Deluxe
After two great albums on Munich's Compost label ("Elysian Fields" in 2000 and "Minuit" in 2002), Minus 8's brand new LP "Eclectica"" is ready to go! Featuring guest vocalists Sitta Föhr, Sharon Harris, New York rappers Dread Event, Ras Charmer, Cali P, Ras Theo and Michael Morris, the album shows the massive versatility of Zürich based producer, remixer and DJ Robert Jan Meyer aka Minus 8. Where as "Minuit" was pretty much Brazil influenced, "Eclectica", as the name suggests, draws a wider bow from downbeat to hip-hop, from disco to ragga and techno-influenced grooves and back.
Sleepwalker - Sleepwalker Especial
Japanese import release from Hajime Yoshizawa's Sleepwalker outfit on the highly collectable Especial imprint. Jazz, nu-jazz, soul-jazz, latin-jazz...it's all here.
Various Artists / Who Shot Jacques Laverne? Jacques Laverne
Danish label Jacques Laverne service us with a selection of their best vinyl releases to date, all fitted nicely onto this CD compilation. There's a healthy Nothern slant to proceedings, with tracks by 777 (aka Jon Kennedy) and Beatphreak looming large, as well as funky-breaky-beaty joints by Dr Rubberfunk, The Bass Snatchers, Monochrome, The Currymints and more.
Various Artists / Jazzie B Presents Soul II Soul At The Africa Centre Casual / Soul II Soul
When Jazzie B and Daddae changed the name of their sound system from Jah Rico to Soul II Soul, and added funk and rare groove to the mix, little did they know what they'd set in motion, creating one of THE places to go on the late 80s London club scene. Included here are some hand picked favourites from their Africa centre parties, including The Naturals, Ripple, Lee Dorsey, Maceo & The Macks, James Brown, James Mason, Don Blackman, Gary Bartz, Roy Ayers etc, and some previously unreleased Soul II Soul 'specials' (tracks / mixes recorded especially for the night). Originally due for release on the now defunct Strut label, which shows in the attention to detail of the sleeve notes and liner photos etc.
A Guy Called Gerald - First Try EP
K7
Since the late eighties, A Guy Called Gerald has produced groundbreaking music: Manc techno classic "Pacific State" with 808 State, the acid house anthem "Voodoo Ray", and early 'intelligent' drum and bass tracks. Produced in his new home base of Berlin, this EP demonstrates a return to form. The opening track "First Try" is a typical Gerald tune; mighty, epic sounds, a racy, forward pushing kick drum and minimal acid sounds. Track two, "Meaning", is a deep track attached to a breakbeat groove. The B side opens with "Pump", a minimal tech-house groover in which string accents and funky chords create an irresistible drive. Lastly Middle Eastern-tinged "Tajeen" glistens with a digital jazz feeling, instrumented by a double bass, live percussion, synth strings and 303 beats.
Vordul Mega - The Revolution Of Yung Havoks Nature Sounds
The half of Cannibal Ox that isn't Vast Aire cuts his own solo path on Nature Sounds. More straight ahead without too much Def Jux leftfieldism, he and guests like Jean Grae, Karnage and C Rayz Walz, drop Bronx hip hop that is still below the radar of most. Includes the Cannibal Ox reunion track "Handle That". # posted by DJ Martian 11:34 PM
Terrorizer Issue #126 - January 2005
What to expect in the [new] issue of Terrorizer magazine, on the front cover Norway Invades - featuring the artists appearing at the Inferno Festival happening in London in January 2005. Arcturus, Enslaved, Red Harvest, Madder Mortem and Grimfist.
[Regarding when this issue goes on sale I am not sure, one other website suggests Thursday 30th December. However with the holiday schedules it may turn up earlier than that - I recall one Christmas in the late 90s when the issue was on sale just before Christmas. So keep your eyes scanned at your local newsagents !]
FEATURES
STUDIO REPORT: GREEN CARNATION
STUDIO REPORT: SOILWORK
STUDIO REPORT: PRIMORDIAL
INFERNO UK
IRON MAIDEN
KREATOR
USURPER
ENTHRONED
DARK TRANQUILLITY
THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL
THE AXIS OF PERDITION
THE THIRD AND THE MORTAL
LOST SOUL
TOTAL FUCKING DESTRUCTION
JHONN BALANCE REMEMBERED
HARD OF HEARING: MASTODON
HERMANO
YOB
THE OCEAN
2004 READERS' POLL
2004 READERS' QUESTIONNAIRE
COMING NEXT MONTH...
...2004 IS NEARLY OVER - BUT YOU DIDN'T REALLY THINK WE WERE GOING TO LET YOU GET AWAY WITH IT THAT EASILY, DID YOU?
BLACK METAL SPECIAL PART 1 | READERS POLLS & WRITERS POLLS: THE RESULTS | MARDUK | LORDI | BLOOD BROTHERS | LAMB OF GOD | DISSECTION | DIMEBAG | HARD OF HEARING: DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN | JUDAS PRIEST # posted by DJ Martian 7:46 PM
Matt has finished his next album! It's called 'Drinking Songs' and is set for release in February 2005.
Moody and beautiful, it picks up the story where The Mess We Made left off.
The tracklist is as follows:
1. C.F. Bundy
2. Trying to Explain
3. The Guilty Party
4. Whats Wrong
5. The Kursk
6. What the Fuck am I Doing on this Battlefield?
7. A Waste of Blood
8. The Maid We Messed
If you can understand French, this is what ICI D'AILLEURS mentioned in their email today:
MATT ELLIOTT - DRINKING SONGS
28/02/05 - distribution Discograph
écouter un titre : What's wrong ?
en même temps que son pseudo de The Third Eye Foundation, Matt a délaissé les aspects les plus electroniques de sa musique pour développer un folk tourmenté très personnel qui doit autant à son amour pour les musiques slaves et d'Europe de l'est qu'à ses racines drum' n bass. # posted by DJ Martian 6:08 PM
This list will be followed tomorrow (Tuesday) by a list of our Top 50 singles of the year, and on Wednesday, our Top 50 albums of the year. # posted by DJ Martian 12:32 PM
All About Jazz Bulletin Board discuss Favourites of 2004 # posted by DJ Martian 12:28 PM
Over 35 writers lists were turned in and more than 400 albums were tallied, and we’re left with 40 albums that spoke the most deeply to our collective taste this year. And each day this week we’ll be presenting ten of them, culminating in the unveiling of each writer’s individual list on Friday. So without further ado: Stylus Magazine’s Top 40 Albums of 2004: # posted by DJ Martian 12:26 PM
Piano Magic Opencast Heart ep
Release date: January 2, 2005
Pianio Magic go for their most electronic oriented release to date.
Larsen Play (full length)
Release date: January 2, 2005
[Larsen previously released an album for Michael Gira's Young God Records record label.]
[Alerted via Eternal Fusion blog] # posted by DJ Martian 11:12 PM
A new minimalist Modern Composition album by Matt Borghi has just been released:
Matt Borghi - Images
This recording realized some of the sounds that matt was working on with his KOSIK project, as well as fully incorporating his passion for Philip Glass and Claude Debussy into his music. Matt feels confident that this is one of his finest sonic statements, as well as his first true incorporation of minimalism in the vein of Philip Glass, Steve Reich, Lamonte Young, and Terry Riley; deep in texture, a great meditative fabric of sounds with an occasional rhythmic element ala Reich's Piano or Violin Phase this is matt's most accessible, finest audio quality release to date. # posted by DJ Martian 11:03 PM
Tommy Allen - Remettez - Best of 2004
The prize for the end of the year list with the most diverse/ eclectic and extreme contrasts of sounds must go to Tommy Allen the founder of this discussion group:
Remettez is a group for music fans to discuss innovative music, regardless of genre. Everyone is welcome here and encouraged to post messages. You don't have to be knowledgeable about multiple genres of music to contribute. Post messages about as few (or as many) artists that you want. The list’s focus will be whatever it’s membership decides it will be but I expect it will include music from every corner of the world.
2. Think Of One : Chuva Em Pò (LC)
3. Triosk : Moment Returns (Leaf)
4. Scorch Trio : Luggmut (Rune Grammofon)
5. Susie Ibarra : Folkloriko (Tzadik)
6. Hala Strana : These Villages (Soft Abuse)
7. Old Man Gloom : Christmas (Tortuga)
8. Bembeya Jazz National : Syliphone Years (Sterns)
9. Secret Chiefs 3 : Book Of Horizons (Mimicry)
10. Tinariwen : Amassakoul (World Village)
11. Phonophani : Oak Or Rock (Rune Grammofon)
12. Uri Caine : Live At The Village Vanguard (Winter & Winter)
13. Melvins & Lustmord : Pigs Of The Roman Empire (Ipecac)
14. Murcof : Utopia (Leaf)
15. Meshuggah : I (Nuclear Blast)
16. Madvillain : Madvillainy (Stones Throw)
17. Ross Daly : Microkosmos (Pan)
18. Majid Bekkas : Mogador (Igloo)
19. Noxagt : The Iron Point (Load)
20. Migala : Increible Aventura (Nois)
21. Trevor Dunn's Trio Convulsant : Sister Phantom Owl Fish
22. Lhasa : The Living Road
23. Henry Flynt & The Insurrections : I Don’t Wanna
24. Woven Hand : Consider The Birds
25. Flat Earth Society : Isms
26. Warsaw Village Band : Uprooting
27. Gorge Trio : Open Mouth
28. Boom Bip : Corymb
29. Mahmoud Fadl : Drummers of the Nile in Town: Cairosonic
30. Alice Coltrane : Translinear Light
31. Franco & Sam Mangwana : Cooperation, Volume 2
32. Fennesz : Venice
33. Keren Ann : Nolita
34. Mercan Dede : Sufi Traveler
35. Clutch : Blast Tyrant
36. PJ Harvey : Uh Huh Her
37. Battles : Tras
38. ESO Octet : ESO Octet
39. Devendra Banhart : Rejoicing In The Hands/Nino Rojo
40. Sufjan Stevens : Seven Swans
41. Bugge Wesseltoft : Filming
42. Antibalas : Who Is This America?
43. Mark Van Hoen : The Warmth Inside
44. The Hotel Alexis : The Shining Example Is Lying On The Floor
45. Home (Benjamin Biolay & Chiara Mastroianni) : Home
46. Sidsel Endressen : Merriwinkle
47. Burmese : Men
48. Ali Farka Toure : Red & Green
49. Raz Mesinai : Cyborg Acoustics
50. Thulsa Doom : And Then Take You…
51. Darko Rundek : Ruke
52. Daniel Humair : Baby Boom
53. Arto Lindsay : Salt
54. Rachid Taha : Tekitoi
55. Fantomas : Delirium Cordia
56. The Reverend Lester Knox of Tifton Georgia : Put Your Face In
Gwod
57. Laua Veirs : Carbo Glacier
58. Chib : Moco
59. Gypsy Kings : Roots
60. Sun City Girls : Carnival Folklore Resurrection Radio
61. Mus : Divinia Lluz
62. Charlie Haden : Land of The Sun
63. Graham Coxon : Happiness In Magazines
64. Hood : The Lost You
65. Niobe : Voodooluba
66. Gotan Project : Inspiracion/Espiracion
67. Uri Caine : Dark Flame
68. Manuel “Guajiro” Mirabal : BVSC Presents
69. Aereogramme : Seclusion
70. Dave Alvin – Ashgrove
71. The Black Keys : Rubber Factory
72. Efterklang : Tripper
73. Johann Johannsson : Viroulegu Forsetar
74. David Darling & The Wulu Bunam : Mudanin Kata
75. Converge : You Fail Me (Epitaph)
76. Savath & Savalas : Manana
77. Arve Henriksen : Chiascuro
78. Dani Siciliano : Likes
79. Big Satan : Souls Saved Here
80. Amadou & Miriam : Dimanche a Bamako Mali
81. Non Phixion : The Green
82. Bill Frisell : Unspeakable
83. Malouma : Dunya
84. Issa Bagayogo : Tassoumakan
85. Guided By Voices : Half Smiles of the Decomposed
86. Paris Combo : Motifs
87. Susanna & the Magical Orchestra : List Of Lights And Buoys
88. Muslimgauze : No Human Rights For Arabs in Isreal
89. Lo Jo : Ce Soir Là...
90. MC Chris : Eating’s Not Cheating
91. Food : Last Supper
92. !!! : Louden Up Now
93. El P : Collecting The Kid
94. Wolf Eyes : Burned Mind
95. John Zorn : Magick
96. The Magnetic Fields : I
97. Isis : Panopticon
98. Wibutee : Playmachine
99. Art Of Fighting : Second Storey
100. Les Savy Fav : Inches
101. cLOUDDEAD : Ten
102. Shitmat : Killababylonkutz
103. Tim Hecker : Mirages
104. Bark Psychosis : Codename: Dustsucker
105. Anaal Nathrakh : Domine Non Es Dignus
106. Gange Brass Band : Whendo
107. Gary Wilson : Mary Had Brown Hair
108. Fiery Furnaces : Blueberry Boat
109. Ricardo Villalobos : Thé Au Harem d'Archimède # posted by DJ Martian 10:32 PM
... hp.stonji are hans platzgumer and e.stonji, two melancholic souls producing artificial music, sharply cut high tek break beats and sinister ambient soundscapes. Two powerbooks floating online between their native Austria & Germany, constantly demanding the unexpected.
Debut 'metic EP' is out on Spezialmaterial (baked goods).
Full lenght interactive CD 'mélaina cholé' to follow in early 2005. ... # posted by DJ Martian 10:13 PM
ALBUM OF THE WEEK!
Andrea Parker / Touchin' Bass - Nobody's Perfect Touchin' Bass
£2.99? That's right kids - Andrea Parker spins through the finest moments of her Touchin Bass' imprint with this hour-long mix - from driving electro to booty, dark atmospherics, twisted tones and of course plenty of bass! The mix features Touchin' Bass classics and some forthcoming gems from the likes of : ADJ, Manasyt, Bass Junkie, DJ Godfather, Hydraulix, Chaotic State, Eggfooyoung, David Morley, DJ Assault, Sync 24 and, of course, Andrea Parker herself. Bargain!...
Album Of The Week!
Albert Ayler - Holy Ghost Revenant
9cd + Book
Its the Wire magazine's number 1 release of the year and has blown away anyone' who's seen it - here it is back in stock once again!!! The Revenant label follows up its triple grammy winning charley patton box with Holy Ghost, a career spanning collection of the music of the sax titan Albert Ayler (1936-1970) spread across 9 cd's, a book, lots of extra material and housed in an unbeleivable etched mock-ivory biscuit box. Albert Ayler became the catalytic force in defining the sound of the tenor in free jazz, and was a heavy influence on john coltrane's later work. The box comprises: 9 cds of rare and unissued recordings, extensive unpublished Ayler interview footage, 208 page full color hardbound book/ essays by amiri baraka, val wilmer, daniel caux, and ben young. essay by marc chaloin on ayler's key formative years (1958-62). unpublished photos by raymond ross, wilmer and many others. unpublished ayler family snapshots & cleveland memorabilia. Artist testimonials bearing witness to encounters with ayler's music. exhaustive chronology of ayler performance / recording activities. all of this housed in a lavish tabletop (9 " by 9" by 3") spirit box format, deluxe moulded "onyx" box carved from handcarved wooden original. Not cheap...but quite breathtaking. Buy....
Dvd Of The Week!
Specialten - Issue 7
Specialten
Dvd / Magazine
Specialten is a bi-monthly collection of short films, music videos and exclusive interviews that aims its focus towards music, film, animation and design. The packaging is gatefold A4 bound heavy card in full colour and includes a 24 page book of artwork, reviews and stills together with a ltd print by a chosen artist in every issue. For your £5 you get a completely packed bundle of killer content, including : a documentary with Bjork on the making of Medulla, a special interview and live footage of the amazing Nouvelle Vague, an exclusive video clip from SSR for Subtle / Lex, the award winning video clip for Fat Cat's Mum, a special Bonnie Prince Billy video from the director of Gummo and writer of the cult movie Kids, an interview with Mark Craaste, the recent BAFTA winner for animated short film `Jojo in the stars', Jamie Hewlett, the Creator of Tank Girl, an award winning short film about Hells Kitchen created by Studio AKA, a brilliant documentary to celebrate 10 years of Beck's classic Mellow Gold, an Award winning commercial by Smith & Faulkes commissioned for Honda, previously unseen video from Output's DK7, Pete Fowler - Ltd. A4 artwork print by illustrator and creator of Monsterism. Plus material on Husky Rescue, Death from Above, The Earlies, The Knife, The Go Team and Chrome Hoof..... Total running time 2 hours approx - an absolute bargain and indispensible viewing. Buy!!...
Bill Laswell - City Of Light / Hashisheen Sub Rosa
Two of Bill Laswell's masterpieces featuring a huge list of very special guests: Coil, Trilok Gurtu, Genesis P-Orridge, Techno Animal, Patti Smith, Tetsu Inoue, Lori Carson, Hakim Bey, Anton Fier, Jah Wobble, Iggy Pop, WS Burroughs. City of Light was recorded in Banaras, India, and mixed in Greenpoint, NY. Music composed by Bill Laswell, Coil, Trilok Gurtu, Tetsu Inoue, and features texts and vocals from Lori Carson. "City of Light is about Banaras, a city older then history, tradition, than legends. It is Shiva's land, founded at the dawn of creation. It is India's oldest and most fabled city. The Hindus call it Kashi, the luminous... The City of Light." Hashisheen is the result of two years of hard work and collaborations. This conceptual project guided and supervised by Bill Laswell is presenting through, voices and music, from artists such as: WS Burroughs, Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, Anne Clark, Jah Wobble, Paul Schutze, Techno Animal, Genesis P-Orridge, Jah Wobble.... The ancient (11th century) and mystic story of Hasan bin Sabbah, Alamut the 'Garden of Earthly Delights' and the rites of the Hashisheens (also called the 'Assassins')." Special double cd edition. ..
Pita - Get Off Hapna
This is the fourth solo album from Mego founder and infamous recording artist Peter Rehberg, aka Pita. His previous solo albums as Pita (all on the Mego label) have been landmarks in electronic music. His sound ranges from furious to minimalistic, but always with the same uncompromising attitude. "Get Off" is his most varied album to date and a bit of a revelation with its sporadic seepage into more delicate climes. Apart from his solo work, he is also a member of several groups, notably MIMEO (with Keith Rowe, Rafael Toral, Marcus Schmickler, Jerome Noetinger and others) and Fenn O'Berg (with Christian Fennesz and Jim O'Rourke). .. # posted by DJ Martian 10:07 PM
DenverPost.com - Bret Saunders lists his 10 favorite jazz releases of 2004. [via Avant Music News] # posted by DJ Martian 9:26 PM
2004 has been a very busy and at times exhausting year with more releases than ever, but that doesn´t stop us from releasing another two albums in January. First out is the third and so far best album from Alog. ”Miniatures” is scheduled for release on January 17.One week later comes the new album from Shining, a progressive artrockmonsterjazz quartet counting two former Jaga Jazzist members and writers in their ranks. Before summer we should also see the debut album from In The Country, the young acoustic piano trio led by Morten Qvenild from Susanna and the Magical Orchestra, a second album from Archetti/Wiget as well as Supersilent 7 in the shape of a concert DVD. # posted by DJ Martian 8:51 PM
music blog: eternal FUSION has been reactivated. # posted by DJ Martian 11:26 AM
Dutch based music blog: Lowtones has started featuring their favourite albums of 2004.
By the way apart from US and UK, I seem to have a large readership [from my web stats referrals] from Netherlands & Belgium - so thanks for reading in 2004.
Plus there is an interesting all time list: Lowtones 100
Lowtones 100
1. Joy Division – Unknown Pleasures
2. Radiohead – Kid A
3. Sigur Ros – Agaetis Byrjun
4. The Smiths – The Queen Is Dead
5. Talk Talk – Laughing Stock
6. Radiohead – OK Computer
7. My Bloody Valentine – Loveless
8. Michael Jackson – Bad
9. Fennesz – Endless Summer
10. Slowdive – Souvlaki
11. GZA – Liquid Swords
12. Joy Division – Closer
13. Miles Davis – Sketches Of Spain
14. Can – Tago Mago
15. Cocteau Twins – Heaven Or Las Vegas
16. Talk Talk – Spirit Of Eden 17. Dr. Dre – The Chronic
18. Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – I See A Darkness
19. Godspeed You! Black Emperor - F#A# (infinity)
20. Microphones – Mt. Eerie
21. Outkast – ATLiens
22. Raekwon – Only Built For Cuban Linx
23. Public Image Ltd. – Metal Box
24. M83 – Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts
25. The Smiths – The Smiths
26. Grandaddy – The Sophtware Slump
27. Jesus & Mary Chain – Psychocandy
28. My Bloody Valentine – Isn’t Anything
29. Bark Psychosis – Hex
30. Bardo Pond – On The Ellipse
31. Jeff Buckley –Grace
32. Neutral Milk Hotel – In The Aeroplane Over The Sea
33. John Coltrane – A Love Supreme
34. The Microphones – The Glow Pt. 2
35. Mercury Rev – All Is Dream
36. Wu Tang Clan – Enter The Wu Tang (36 Chambers)
37. Black Dice – Beaches & Canyons
38. Squarepusher – Music Is Rotted One Note
39. Godspeed You! Black Emperor – Lift Your Skinny Fists…
40. Charles Mingus – The Black Saint & The Sinner Lady
41. Metallica – Ride The Lightning
42. Snoop Doggy Dogg – Doggystyle
43. Pulp – This Is Hardcore
44. Bright Eyes – Lifted..Or The Story Is In The Soil
45. Low – Things We Lost In The Fire
46. The Cure – Disintegration
47. Radiohead – The Bends
48. David Bowie – Low
49. Fennesz – Venice
50. The Smiths – Strangeways Here We Come
51. A Silver Mt. Zion – He Has Left Us Alone But Shafts of Light Sometimes Grace the Corners of Our Rooms
52. Interpol – Turn On The Bright Lights
53. Mogwai – Come On Die Young
54. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – B.R.M.C.
55. Metallica – Master Of Puppets
56. Slint – Spiderland
57. MC5 – Kick Out The Jams
58. Hood – Cold House
59. Mercury Rev – Deserter’s Songs
60. Spiritualized – Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space
61. Pink Floyd - Animals
62. Sigur Ros – ( )
63. Underworld – Everything, Everything
64. Grandaddy – Under The Western Freeway
65. Miles Davis – Kind Of Blue
66. Autechre – Confield
67. Alvin Lucier – I Am Sitting In A Room
68. Method Man – Tical
69. Pantera – Vulgar Display Of Power
70. Tindersticks - Curtains
71. Fushitsusha – Pathetique
72. Matmos – A Chance To Cut Is A Chance To Cure
73. Nick Drake – Bryter Layter
74. Boredoms – Super Ae
75. Spacemen 3 – Playing With Fire
76. Metallica – Black Album
77. Lightning Bolt – Wonderful Rainbow
78. Slayer – Seasons In The Abbyss
79. Radiohead – Amnesiac
80. Loveliescrushing – Xuvetyn
81. Portishead – Dummy
82. Morbid Angel – Blessed Are The Sick
83. Sonic Youth – Daydream Nation
84. Labradford – Mi Media Naranja
85. Charalambides – Joy Shapes
86. Autechre – Tri Repetae ++
87. Popgroup – Y
88. Michael Jackson – Thriller
89. Scott Walker – Tilt
90. Sepultura - Chaos A.D.
91. Biohazard – Urban Discipline
92. Current 93 – All The Pretty Little Horses
93. Chapterhouse – Whirlpool
94. Tangerine Dream – Phaedra
95. Russel Haswell & Masami Akita – Satanstornade
96. Tim Hecker – Haunt Me, Haunt Me, Do It Again
97. Ride – Nowhere
98. Kaffe Matthews – cd eb + flo
99. Shalabi Effect – Trial Of St. Orange
100. Placebo - Without You I'm Nothing # posted by DJ Martian 11:11 AM
US Internet based radio station Woxy.com have launched a new website. # posted by DJ Martian 9:31 PM
Music blog: The Suburbs Are Killing Us has a feature on new Norwegian Jazz, primarily focused on the forthcoming Tord Gustavsen Trio album, including two mp3 tracks. # posted by DJ Martian 8:26 PM
Echo & the Bunnymen will be recording a new album with producer Hugh Jones for a 2005 release. [Source: BBC 6 Music] # posted by DJ Martian 4:49 PM
