Lukid - The Now EP (Werk)
There is a serious flood of interest in the instrumental/ visionary hip-hop genre (which incidentally needs a new name. Brain-Hop? Anyone have an idea?! This 12 is one of the best examples of kids taking it to the next level, not thinking of the track as a template for an MC, but filling it up with everything it needs to stand on its own.

Flying Lotus - Reset EP (Warp)
Local LA head that got signed to Warp and delivers the goods (except the track with the R&B vox which I could do without). Same as the Lukid release, future hip-hop explodes out into a new intergalactic genre.

Ras G - myspace tracks
Another blunted LA crate digger. Ras’ tracks sound like they were lost in some historical vortex of old space technology and crackly intergalactic drum breaks. From Across the Pond...

A Made Up Sound - Sleepwalk/669 12” (Subsolo)
2562 - Kameleon/ Channel One (Tectonic)
2562 - Channel Two/ Circulate (Tectonic)
It’s a good thing that DJs and producers are starting to find the parallels between Basic Channel techno and the dubstep genre. These 12”s (all by the same person) are a very good example of the potency of spacious production and heavyweight bass.

Autechre - Quaristice LP (Warp)
Got my hands on a copy of this, their first record in three years. Looking forward and back, complicated and simple, hard and easy. Really good stuff to uncover. See them live and I’ll see you there.

One from the Vaults...
Burger / Ink - Las Vegas LP (Matador, 1998)
I see this come in used sometimes in Electronica. These guys really synthesized their huge back catalogs and alises and cut together a restrained and sleeepy ambient techno gem.

Antonin Dvorak (composer): Piano Quintet Op. 81; Bagatelles Op. 47 - Ensemble Explorations
This is the kind of recording that makes one leap out of one’s seat with excitement as soon as the first note sounds. First off, the Op. 81 quintet is a delicious piece of music, the first movement by turns nostalgic (the first subject has a sweet, folk-like lullaby character) and wild; the second (and most famous) mournful and yet comforting; the third full of the vibrancy of the Bohemian countryside; and the fourth triumphant. The playing on this new recording is transparent, lilting, and evocative of everything this music should be – music that fuses the world of the Brahmsian salon with the fresh scents of the Czech forests. Particular praise should go to pianist Frank Braley, whose clean articulation is accented from the first, and who never overpowers the string players. The charming bagatelles, written for the odd combination of two violins, cello and harmonium, make a perfect “side dish” for this musical feast.

Measha Brueggergosman (soprano): Surprise - BBC Symphony Orchestra, David Robertson (conductor); William Bolcom (piano)
This is Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman’s third solo recital album, but the first in her new contract with Deutsche Grammaphon, and one can see why the distinguished label was eager to sign her up. Her voice is rich, velvety and creamy; if one were to make a comparison, I would say think of the young Jessye Norman – but comparisons are weak in this case, as Brueggergosman has so much of her own style and personality. The repertoire is daring for a debut album. It begins with some delightfully sardonic songs by American composer William Bolcom, the highlight being the joyfully infectious “Amor”. Schoenberg’s cabaret songs follow this – forget the spiny serialism you associate with Schoenberg here – these are charming little numbers reminiscent of Kurt Weill. The last “set” in the recital is by far Brueggergosman’s greatest “coup”, the far-too-seldom heard art songs of Satie, full of Parisian lilt, mysterious cadences, and the eccentric humor for which the composer was known (the waltz-like “Je Te Veux” stays in the memory long after a hearing). Brueggergosman has chosen material that is perfect for her voice, an excellent showcase for a rising star.

Ian Bostridge (tenor): Great Handel - Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Harry Bicket (conductor)
The Baroque era was defi nitely not the age of the tenor – he would come into his own in the 19th century – the castrato being the star of the operatic stage in Italy, England and elsewhere in the 16 and 1700’s. But Handel, living as a naturalized citizen in England, had at his disposal one of the greatest tenors of his age: John Beard, and for him wrote some of his most memorable material and most stunning parts, including the title roles in his two magnificent oratorios Jephtha and Samson. Ian Bostridge has been overdue for a recital of this nature, and now that, at long last, it is here, one’s breathless anticipation does not yield to disappointment. This is a glory of an album, fi nding Bostridge’s voice fresh, expressive, and incisive as always. Handel scholar Harry Bicket leads the period Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment with fl air and precision, forming a perfect partnership with Bostridge’s oboe-like voice. As an added bonus, Bostridge is joined by up-and-coming diva Kate Royal (see below) for the rapturous duet “As Steals The Morn”, which, as Bostridge states in his liner notes, is “one of the great soprano-tenor duets of musical history, to rank…with those of Mozart or Puccini.” No argument here.

Kate Royal (soprano): self-titled - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Edward Gardner (conductor)
I’m afraid this list is a little top-heavy with vocal recommendations, but this year has been ripe with new operatic talent, and Welsh soprano Kate Royal is certainly the cream of the crop. Her voice is bewitchingly smooth – indeed, fl awlessly so, and her technique expertly geared to the wideranging repertoire she has chosen for her debut album. Like Brueggergosman’s debut DG album reviewed above, Royal has not gone the route of usual debut selections here (the inevitable selections from Boheme, Butterfly, Traviata, etc.) but a well-balanced meal of Debussy, Strauss, Ravel, the scena from Stravinsky’s Rake’s Progress, Canteloube, and even a few wild cards – rarely heard songs by Granados and Rodrigo. All-in-all an hour of never-ending delights, I happily look forward to hearing more from her.

Locklair (composer): “Symphony of Seasons; Lairs of Soundings; Phoenix and Again; In Memory – H.H.L.; Harp Concerto” - Janeanne Houston (soprano); Jacquelyn Bartlett (harp); Sloval Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kirk Trevor (conductor)
One of the joys of music listening and collecting is discovering a new composer, and here’s one I’m so glad I’ve found. American Dan Locklair is new to me, but his
compositions greeted me like old friends, at once accessible, fascinating and welcome. The main piece on the disc, his Symphony of Seasons, is a boundless exploration of
the joys of the passing year – optimistic, poetic, intricately scored, tuneful, and memorable. “Lairs of Soundings” a work for soprano and orchestra, is a bit thornier, but rewarding nonetheless, and the Harp Concerto a rapturous evocation to the glory and majesty of that often overlooked instrument. Throughout, the humanity and good-natured spirit of Locklair the man is most apparent, and proves that contemporary music need not be difficult, pessimistic, or world-weary to be profound. Highly recommended.

Alton Ellis - I’ll Be Waiting (Techniques) 1968

Barry Brown - Give Another Israel A Try (Extended Mix)

Barry Brown - Sweet Sixteen (Extended Mix) (Greensleeves) 1980 12”

Black Harmony - Pretty Looks / DEB Players: Pretty Looks (DEB Music)
1979 (re-make of the Heptones’ rocksteady classic)

Cornell Campbell - Press Along / King Tubby - Press Version (Striker Lee) `76?

Count Matchuki, the Destroyers - Movements / the Destroyers - Caesar Trojan/Amalgamated Records 1969

Dennis Brown, the Heptones - Satisfaction Feeling / Version (LBE) 1974

Eek A Mouse - Wicked Shall Not Reign / Version (Eek A Mouse) 1977

Errol Dunkley - Running Child / Tropical Shadows - Anniversary (Sunshot) 1973

Ethiopians - Promises (Wind) 1972

Fabienne Miranda - Prophecy / Version (Fox) 1975

Gregory Isaacs - Lonely Soldier (African Museum) 1974

Heptones - Everyday Life / Version (Observer) 1977

Horace Andy - Rock to Sleep / Augustus Pablo - Dub to Sleep (Rockers) 1976

Jo Jo Bennett - Cantelope Rock / Going Home (Moodisc)
Wicked orig. rock steady cut.

Johnny Osbourne - Ice Cream Love / Roots Radics - Version (Jah Guidance) 1980

Little Roy - Prophecy (Morwell Esq) 1972

Lord Creator - I’m Holding On / Big Bamboo (Randys) 1964

Meditations - Stranger in Love / Version (Wambesi) 1982

Sylford Walker - Jah Golden Pen (Joe Gibbs) 1975

Super T - West Bound Train / Jah Batta, Skatee - Style & Fashion (Wackie’s) 1983 10”
(great moody re-make of the Dennis Brown classic)

Keith Hudson - Nuh Skin U (With Soul Syndicate) (1979) Pressure Sounds 1979 LP/CD

Gladiators - Studio One Singles (2 LP/ CD) (Heartbeat/Studio One)

Various - When Rhythm Was King (2 LP/CD) (Heartbeat/Studio One)

Various - Summer Records Anthology (Dualdisc CD + DVD or 2LPs) (Light in the Attic)
Vintage `70s vibes outta Canada!

Sound Dimension - Mojo Rocksteady Beat (2 LP / CD) (Soul Jazz/Studio One)

tip: If you’re in L.A., visit the ROCK STEADY LOUNGE at AKBAR, 4356 Sunset Blvd. in Silverlake, every Monday night. Old school Reggae, Ska and Rocksteady with yours truly & special guest DJs on the decks. No cover, cheap drinks, cozy vibes. myspace.com/therocksteadylounge.

Graveyard - self-titled
A multi-dimensional, musically charged rock band. If you like those 70s heavy rock sounds, you’ll dig it.

Death Breath - Let it Stink
Truly unique, old school style death metal.

Turbonegro - Apocalypse Dudes
What can I say about Turbonegro? They make me laugh, and they rock hard.

Dollhouse - Royal Rendez-Vous
A slightly new sound for this Swedish band. If you like the Seger System, you’ll probably like Dollhouse.

Witchcraft - Alchemist
I chose these guys because I think they’re doing that Swedish, heavy ‘70s, Sabbaththing well. Although this is not their best album, I still like it.

Queens of the Stone Age - Era Vulgaris
I’m a fan, so this album would have had to really suck for me to hate it. The first two or three songs don’t do justice to the rest of the album. It’s one of those albums that grow on you the more you listen, and I think it rocks.

Thin Lizzy - Live and Dangerous Import DVD
It’s about time. See how real musicians rock.

Twin Peaks - Definitive Gold Box Edition DVDs
Tweaks!! If you were a fan before, watch it again, and I guarantee it won’t be the same - it’ll be better!! The picture quality is great and the music is beefier.

Beowülf - Westminster & 5th
This new album by the O.G. Venice band is straight forward hardcore just the way I like it. Well written songs with no funk to be found anywhere.

Stormtroopers of Death - Rise of the Infidels
I like this disc for the live tracks. Dirty, nasty and chaotic, wish I was at that show.

DJ Food & DK - Now, Listen Again
Another classic mix CD by the master at Ninja Tune. From Hip Hop to Rock and Jungle, to new wave; this disc is a party starter.

DJ Craze - Bass Session
Hands down the best Miami Bass mix CD I have ever heard. Obscure and classic tracks are mixed, blended and cut-up to perfection.

Lateef & Z-Trip - Ahead of the Curve
I always look forward to new music from Z-Trip and this doesn’t disappoint. This disc is more of a mix than an album and Chubb Rock deliver some of the best lyrics ever spit into a mic.

tip: Punk and hardcore shows at the Knitting Factory are always fun. Don’t miss ‘em.

Magnetic Fields - Distortion
El día en que yo tuve la oportunidad de eschucar, por primera vez, la música de los Magnetic Fields fue un regalo maravilloso para mi. La canción era “Grand Canyon” y mi respuesta era instantania, fanática! Desde entonces ese día, todo lo que era Magnetic Fields, yo me propuse escuchar. ‘Distortion’ es una mezcla de sonidos, 60s pop, ruido atmósfera que rodea alrededor de la mente como lo que el productor Phil Spector hizo famoso, su “wall of sound” “pared de sonido”. No es sólo las palabras de las canciones que me captivan, tambien es la voz de Stephin Merit que me pone en un lugar tranquilo, en un lugar donde yo puedo ir para relajar me. Stephin es un escritor excepcional, inteligente, y prolífico y sus palabras resuenan con sarcasmo y tranquilidad.

Café Tacva - Si No
Lo admito, la última vez que escuché un álbum “nuevo” de Café Tacvba fue en 1994 con el lanzamiento de su segundo album, RE. Bueno, escuché, le di una opotunided
y gocé en los sonidos de ésta música mexicana folklore con combine un equilibrio agradable de guitarrazos. Hay mucho que todavía necesito aprender sobre el rock en español, y este álbum es un gran comienzo.

Flight of the Conchords - The Distant Future
Estos camaradas de Nueva Zelandia me hicieron los viajes al trabajo agradable y llenos de sonrizas y carcajadas. “These aren’t tears of sadness because you’re leaving me, I’ve just been cutting onions… I’m making a lasagna…for one,” escuchen ahora, antes de que cierren “your motherfucking- board systems down.”

Siousxie - Mantaray
Un album más personal, y una visión íntima. Sola o con sus Banshees, nunca falla.

Joy Division - All of their re-issues
Bellos reencuentros.

Una mención honorable:
Annie Lennox - Songs of Mass Destruction

Stevie Nicks - Crystal Visions

Sharon Jones - 100 Days 100 Nights

Evil Woman Blues - various artists

Morrissey - Greatest Hits Deluxe Version

tip: “Nothing separates the generations more than music. By the time a child is eight or nine, he has developed a passion for his own music that is even stronger than his passions for procrastination and weird clothes.” - Bill Cosby

White Rainbow - Prism of Eternal Now (Kranky)
Can’t........stop........listening.....

Iron & Wine - The Shepherd’s Dog (Sub Pop)
I have always had a hard time getting into Iron & Wine. Sam Beam’s voice neither pooped nor got off the pot. But here... here’s a whole ‘nuther thing: I swear he’s
been listening to Fleetwood Mac’s “Tusk”. The spirit of Lindsay Buckingham worms its way thru the whole album and it’s all the better for it. A great, great listen!

Dawn McCarthy & Bonny Prince Billy - Wai Notes (Drag City)
These lo-fi working tapes are like the ghost of the album (“The Letting Go”) that they eventually lead to. Their scratchy, distant, flawed textures are thrilling and in many
ways a more perfect setting for some of these fragile songs. I get chills! Chills, I tell ya!!!!

Liars - self-titled (Mute)
Ain’t nobody making post-whatever like these nutjobs. I have no idea what they’re doing, but I’m confi dent that they do. Possibly even better than “Drum’s Not Dead.”

Warlocks - Heavy Deavy Skull Lover (Tee Pee)

Gorillaz - D-Sides (Deluxe Edition)
A simpler, stripped down approach to the unclassifi able enigmatic music that is the cartoon quartet. It’s a wonder why these didn’t make the cut! Check out disc 2, where the remixes are – awesome renditions on Demon Days tracks that’ll get your head nodding without even knowing.

Takashi Murakami’s video for Kanye West’s “Good Morning”
Murakami’s artistic vision for Kanye’s “Graduation” is completed with his animated video. Just imagine the album cover coming to life all around you. Easiest said – this video got the song stuck in my head. G’morning!

Jesu - Lifeline
Death drone has a found a voice in Justin K Broadrick! Actually, it found a voice in his wall of sound that emanates from every chord.

M.I.A. - Kala
Maya came back with a vengeance and a world of producers (literally!) to make her sophomore effort a hard hitting, beat thumping club smash that the scenesters never knew what hit them.

Rivers Cuomo - Alone: The Home Recordings
A peek inside the ever-elusive Rivers’ head and a glimpse of his talent with a guitar and a sequencer. Follow him as he traverses from simple acoustic songs about his dreams and aspirations later to become reality to forays into hip-hop inspired beats and maybe a day-trip into electronica.

tip: www.pandora.com - a great way to discover music you didn’t now you liked.