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Eleven Fuguese For Sodium Pentothal (CD)
Adam Wiltzie
I am a huge fan of Stars of the Lid. They were one of the first ever drone-ambient groups I got into. I was devastated to learn of Brian McBride (one half of the band) passing away in August of 2023- his solo works are also worth a listen. Inversely, I was thrilled to see Adam Wiltzie (Stars of the Lid’s other half) releasing his first album under his name- ignoring his film scores and works as A Winged Victory For The Sullen. As expected, he delivered here. Hazy atmospheres, pretty string arrangements, and haunting noises that express a certain sadness that I can’t help but wonder was partially fueled by grief. Though the record isn’t necessarily dedicated to Wiltize’s late bandmate, the timing of its release and its sad beautiful sound makes me feel otherwise.
Filed Under: Stars of the Lid in Rock
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Xylophonics + Robot X (CD)
Woo
Two Australian brothers making some of the most unique sounding electronic music I’ve ever heard. It kinda sounds like the music you’d hear during the “intelligent moment” of a sci-fi drama. This is a particularly cool release as it features 2 of the band’s albums that had never before been released on CD or vinyl. It’s the perfect set of albums if you’re a big-brained egg head (or pretending to be one).
CD Filed Under: Rock Box sets (usually)
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New Blue Sun (CD)
Andre 3000
The best new age/spiritual jazz album of 2024. Can you believe he made a flute record???? Whooooaaaaaaaaaa... No bars? No problem!
Filed Under: Outkast in Hip Hop
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Engaged Touches (CD)
Celer
Melancholic ambient-drone at its finest. Celer started as Will Long and Dannielle Baquet-Long, a husband and wife duo. Between 2005 and 2009, the 2 self-released a slew of albums and composed music for various installations and exhibits. Tragically, Dannielle would pass away due to heart failure leaving Will to carry on with Celer as a solo project. This is one of the last albums she performed on and there’s something haunting about listening to it nowadays. The somber atmosphere of the music feels like a premonition of events to come. Devastating... Nevertheless, this is a wonderful reissue that expands the original 2009 release to 3 discs complete with a lovely remastered sound and a handful of extra tracks. If you feel up to the task then I strongly recommend exploring the rest of Celer’s lengthy discography but this album is easily their best.
Filed Under: Experimental
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Erbil (CD)
Omar Souleyman
Syria's very own wedding DJ returns just in time for your reception!
Filed Under: Middle East
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To All Trains (CD)
Shellac
Losing Steve Albini was shocking to say the least; especially since he was only 61 years of age. Though I’m excited for the first new Shelllac material in 10 years, I’m sad that Steve isn’t around to celebrate with us. Rest in peace Steve, ,ong live Shellac of North America, we’ll be pirates! Side note: you think this album title is making fun of Drake’s “For All The Dogs”? I sure hope it is.
Filed Under: Rock
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Magic Fig (LP)
Magic Fig
The Bay Area’s latest and greatest supergroup consisting of a knight, a wizard, a prince, the pied piper, and a jester. Take note, pro-heads: the new Canterbury sound is now in San Francisco. You’re not gonna want to ignore these nerds.
Filed Under: Rock
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Night Reign (CD)
Arooj Aftab
Jazz album of the year!!! Unapologetically gorgeous and mystical sounding. For fans of wandering the forest.
Filed Under: Jazz
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Yours Until The War Is Ove (CD)
Amigo The Devil
A collection of edgy southern gothic folk songs; self-described as ‘murderfolk’. For fans of Tom Waits, Frank Turner, AJJ, and Voltaire.
Filed Under: Rock
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Funeral For Justice (CD)
Mdou Moctar
The latest batch of rippers by Nigeria’s current shredder. If you like Tuareg music, Jimi Hendrix, and bong rips, then you’ll LOVE this.
Filed Under: North Africa
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Ridiculous and Full of Blood (CD)
Julie Christmas
I was a big fan of Battle of Mice back in the day but I’m glad to see Julie still making music on her own now. There’s just something about the way she shrieks that’s so agonizing it makes your blood curdle. For fans of death and ooey gooey sludge.
Filed Under: Rock
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DJ NOTOYA presents FUNK TIDE (CD)
Various
A killer collection of Japanese and non-Japanese jazz-funk and boogie tracks. A must-have for all you City Pop addicts out there.
Filed Under: Japan
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