Current Listening
Yes, I’m guilty. I haven’t written many reviews of late–no other excuse except that there are many other things going on (not to mention a really rough winter), but here’s some of what I’ve been listening to, and I will also soon be writing a review of a forthcoming album on the Eilean label by Twigs & Yarn (some may recall that their The Language of Flowers on the Flau label was my favorite album of 2012). I recommend any of these albums.
A Winged Victory for the Sullen – ATOMOS: Kranky 190: I want to really like this album, but I struggle with some sections. I instantly loved their eponymous first release, but I continue to listen.
Steven Wilson – Hand. Cannot. Erase.: KScope 315: Follow-up to The Raven That Refused To Sing, and I frankly need more time with this album to formulate an opinion. The recording lacks the clarity and strength of the last (engineered by Alan Parsons), but I’m working through it.
M. Ostermeier – Still: Tench TCH07: Just started listening; minimal, soothing, and it is both in the background and can be for focused listening–a combination of melodic sounds and microtones. Helpful for calm…need more of that!
Robin Guthrie & Mark Gardener – Universal Road: Soleil Apres Minuit SM1501 CD: Comfortably familiar sound and soothing lyrics–shoegazing for the Sun.
I’ll likely have more to say on these soon, but for now, rest assured that my recommendation will not disappoint.
I’m hoping for Spring, and SOON!
Somewhat eclectic listening today…UPDATED
Will the Circle be Unbroken
On Capitol Nashville, various artists (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band et al…cast of many)
In honor of the passing of Doc Watson I’ve been listening to this (two CD set from 2002). It was originally released in 1972 as 3 LPs and 3 cassette tapes (my LPs were long ago worn out). My favorite is Doc Watson’s version of the Jimmie Driftwood song Tennessee Stud.
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Dictaphone – Poems From A Rooftop
#sonicpieces013 – http://sonicpieces.com/sonicpieces013.html
The title taken from Iran’s Green Revolution…more on the album at the link above. Really interesting sonics, rhythms, instrumentation and delightfully quirky. My favorite on the album is Manami.
Video of the handmade limited edition CD cover:
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Brian McBride – The Effective Disconnect
Kranky #KRANK150 – http://www.kranky.net/
Music composed for the documentary Vanishing of the Bees
One half of the duo Stars of the Lid. A really beautiful soundtrack and I’d love to find the film.
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Small Color – In Light
#12K1057 http://www.12k.com/index.php/site/releases/in_light/
Yusuke Onishi and Rie Yoshihara, really charming minimal electro-acoustic Japanese pop.
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And then there’s this gem of an album…
Aspidistrafly – A Little Fable
http://www.kitchen-label.com/catalogue/ki007-aspidistrafly-a-little-fable
The first edition has sold out. So a second edition of 2,500 copies will be released shortly. Both the book and music have a delightfully ancient quality about them. Ambient sounds, chamber music, vocals and electro-acoustic music. As one friend put it, “…it’s a lovely album.” It really is. There are sound samples at the link above.
This is available at: http://darla.com/
Homeward Waltz is my favorite piece:
wajobu 