Music
April 20, 2008
VOLKSMUSIK
JAZZHAMMER. PRESENTS:
VOLKSMUSIK
54M 07S
Late 70's & early 80's German New Wave and other oddities in between.
01 Die Dominas - Herr Ralfi und Herr Karl
02 Joachim Witt - Kuwait
03 Neon Babies - Junge Männer
04 Thomas Voburka - Black Box
05 DMX Krew - The Glass Room
06 Grauzone - Wütendes Glas
07 D.A.F. - Alles ist Gut
08 Die Doraus - Nordsee
09 Die Doraus - Arrivederci
10 N.U. Unruh - Gott Sei's Getrommelt
11 Tuxedomoon - Driving to Verdun
12 Un Departement - A3
13 Classix Nouveaux - 623
14 1000 Ohm - AGNES
15 New Musik - Areas
Volksmusik Mix
192 KBPS | 74.0 MB
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Posted by Fran at 1:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 3, 2008
REGGAE MIX II
JAZZHAMMER. PRESENTS:
REGGAE MIX II
54M 36S
Why not?
01 Gladdy Anderson - Freebase
02 Freddie McGregor - Bobby Bobylon
03 The Jamaicans - Ba Ba Boom
04 Andy & Joey - You're Wandering Now
05 Prince Buster - Girl, Why Don't You Answer?
06 Delroy Wilson - Won't You Come Home?
07 Soul Vendors - Swing Easy
08 Don Drummond & The Skatelites - Cleopatra
09 Don Drummond - Surplus
10 The Itals - Dawn Patrol
11 Glen Brown - Tel Aviv Drums
12 The Techniques - Purify Dub
13 Keith Hudson - Darkest Night On A Wet Looking Road
14 Johnny Osborn - Right Right Time
15 Culture - Behold
16 Cedric 'IM' Brooks - Put It On
17 Tommy McCook - Jamaican Bolero
Reggae Mix II
192 KBPS | 74.7 MB
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Posted by Fran at 8:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
March 14, 2008
LEAVE IT TO THE PROS
So 2008 has been a slow year musically for me. That is until last Sunday when I got blindsided back to back to back with fantastic records from old reliables.
THOMAS BRINKMANN - When Horses Die
Thomas Brinkmann returns after two missteps with a slow-burning stunner. Last year, I mistakenly declared techno dead, and one of the greats immediately proves me dead wrong. This time around, Brinkmann channels his inner Michael Gira and offers a dark, sinister, and more musical, album. The title alone screams 1980s industrial music. The album starts with brooding, atmospheric, yet traditional, piano songs. It is gloomy yet solid stuff. Soon enough, the best techno music in years envelops the listener. Everything is there: the syncopated shuffle beats; glitch; solid breakbeats; only all with singing. This is the kind of music electronic album Matthew Dear should have done last year. By this I mean a song based record that does not take commercial aspirations more serious than craft. Asa Breed was too dumbed down for the masses and it ultimately bored them. This record is just as "musically simple," however, the obvious musical inspirations are taken into consideration quite seriously and will only delight the listener instead of putting them to sleep.
Kelley Polar - I Need You To Hold On While The Sky Is Falling
The king of disco finally returns to follow up his wonderful and straight out of nowhere classic, Love Songs of the Hanging Gardens, which, as we remember, was the album that immediately let us know that Environ was the official dance label of NYC, not DFA. Kelley Polar and the venerable Morgan Geist return with a popier affair. The vocals are a bit more masculine this time around and he seems to have listened to Max Tundra's Mastered By Guy at Exchange--one of the greatest and most neglected albums in history. Though not as solid as the last one (some moments feel forced), when this album soars, it fucking soars. Last year's wonderful Chrysanthemum (featured in my year end comp), is included in this album, though it stands out from the rest of the album, which is much more dense and full of overlapping vocal harmonies and Max Tundra analogue "bloops and bleeps" (technical term). I want to remind you to remember that the last time disco was important was when another classically trained violin player was creating his own unique sound.
PORTISHEAD - Third
I guess I am not as with it as I used to be since I had no idea this was coming out. The last time a Portishead record came out was when I was in high school. This sounds exactly as it should: a) fucking great; b) like they have been listening to the same records we have since then (a lot of German and Italian psychedelic and progressive rock music from the 70s, the Silver Apples, etc.); and c) fucking great. They seem to be having fun: the songs emote the love of their influences in a crate digging sort of way and there is even a little Velvet Underground inspired ditty thrown in. No doubt the coolest band of the 90s (do you still listen to that U.N.K.L.E. record?) is still the coolest band today.Remember that Yo La Tengo video which asked the important question: "do you like trip-hop?" The answer was yes. Oh, and I will give a buck to anyone who can tell me where I have heard the riff on The Rip . It's killing me. Mogwai?
Other noteworthy albums:
Various - An England Story - From Dancehall to Grime: 25 Years of the MC in the UK
Various - Wayfaring Strangers: Guitar Soli
Autechre - Quaristice
Chris Corsano - The Young Cricketeer (now available in vinyl instead of cdr!)
Posted by Fran at 8:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
December 30, 2007
STATE OF THE UNION 2007
JAZZHAMMER. PRESENTS:
THE STATE OF THE UNION 2007
66M 57S
Happy holidays!
It is now a tradition for me to compile a pop music compilation to cap the ending year; so without further ado:
01 Bill Callahan - Diamond Dancer
02 Sharon Jones - Let Them Knock
03 Robert Wyatt - Stay Tuned
04 Panda Bear - Take Pills
05 Mus-ok - All Right
06 Deerhoof - +81
07 Times New Viking - Devo & Wine
08 Spoon - You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb
09 Super Furry Animals - Into The Night
10 Grinderman - No Pussy Blues
11 Justice - D.A.N.C.E.
12 Kelly Polar - Chrysanthemum
13 Air - Mer Du Japon
14 Matthew Dear - Fleece on Brain
15 M.I.A. - Jimmy
16 Von Südenfed - Flooded
17 Cotti (feat. Kingpin) - Let Go Mi Shirt
State Of The Union 2007
192 KBPS | 91.6 MB
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A blurb or two coming soon.
Posted by Fran at 7:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
December 18, 2007
Favorite Records of 2007
-
First of all, I would like to mention records released in 2006 that I slept on. The following became an important part of the soundtrack of my year and I would love to give them their due respect.
THE HEATWAVE - An England Story
It is no surprise that, these days, blog mixes offer world class music and education at an instant and for free. The Heatwave, a group of DJs from the London area, gave their great love the greatest gift imaginable: a chance to shine. This compilation chronicles England-based MCing from its Caribbean roots in the 70s and 80s to its present day evolutions. We Americans have never taken British hip-hop seriously, but this is about to change. An England Story offers music as diverse and solid, minute for minute, as anything anyone in this country has ever done. A flag has been planted in our soil and it waves proudly. Essential, essential, essential, essential! You can listen to it on their blog: http://www.theheatwave.co.uk/music/item/anenglandstory and I am happy to report that the tracks will be compiled and distributed by Soul Jazz Records in 2008.
THE KNIFE - Silent Shout
It serves me right to have missed this solely because of my disdain for Pitchfork; it would have easily made my top 5 had I even given it half a chance. Silent Shout is one of the most original records I have heard in a long time. Somehow, The Knife are able to create fresh, imaginative melodies out thin air. Seriously, it is kind of scary how good they are. This album contains major elements of electro, which I have always hated; but in reality this is another thing altogether because it has the warmth of life all over it (or should I say buried beneath its frozen tundra.) Who could ever have imagined Tom Waits grunts over such icy beats?
MOONDOG - The Viking of Sixth Avenue
It took a trip to London to learn about a man that played spent most of his time playing for free in the streets of my very own city. I have always wanted to listen to his quirky classical music jazz fusion but every time I reached out for it, something shinier flashed before my eyes. Now I am hooked for life; all it took was this hodge-podge collection of musical fragments and half ideas.
EDDY CURRENT SUPPRESSION RING - Eddie Current Suppression Ring
I always hated stupid punk rock; and believe me, this is stupid punk rock. So what the fuck is going on here? Eddy Current Suppression Ring, who hail from Austrailia, released this little gem last year completely under the radar (in the States, anyways.) The lyrics seem half hearted and brash yet are smart in their context, somehow. Song topics range from ice cream, girls, to boners; all with the same sense of importance. The music incorporates punk rock that ranges from the Sex Pistols to Rocket from the Crypt in order to create demented fun.
20: BLUES CONTROL - Blues Control / Puff
Brooklyn's Blues Control has taken the hip art music scene by storm in what seems like a matter of minutes with these two recordings. Lo fi art rock would be a decent description of their work. Simple elements of classical and blues structure are apparent in their keyboard playing, which combine with drone and free improvisation. They will try it all and seem to have the record collection to back it up. Their live show is fun as the duo plays worn out cassette recordings of what seems to be live kraut rock breaks through a walkman and play along them.
19: MUS-OK - The Refuge of Shallow Souls
It is unfortunate that you probably have not heard one of the best pop albums released this year. This ex-East Coast now West Coast electronic band has decided to go all out pop on their newest release; well almost. You might be able to call this break pop if you feel like creating a catchy new musical style moniker. It incorporates elements ranging from Radiohead-ish prog atmospherics, Anticon inspired use of breaks, and pretty much the encapsulation of all of today's indie rock. The fact that they are professional musicians helps a lot in making this stew taste mighty nice. Oh, and the Jaki Liebezeit drum samples throughout it absolutely slay.
18: CIRCLE - Tyrant / Miljard / Sunburned Circle / Panic / Katapult /Tower
The Finish metal masters bombarded the states with 6, count them 6, releases this year. The quality obviously ranges, but as a whole it is an awe-inspiring package. I do not regret obtaining them all and would say that only one should be avoided: Tower, which does not rise to the challenge it set upon itself. Unfortunately, the devastating Tyrant, which stands out even in their spectacular discography, is the most limited of these and likely sold out by now. It us a live recording that expands upon the dark, murky and visceral portions of the set they slew American audiences with the last couple of years. Circle continues to prove that it is arguably the single most important rock band in the world, if not the only one.
17: PANTHA DU PRINCE - This Bliss
Techno has been dying a slow death the past few years, but every now and then a record like this reminds me of the inspiration now seemingly lost (encapsulated by The Field's From Here We Go Sublime, which with its smug attitude fails to realize it came out 6 years too late.) Mood is the most important element of this record. At times lush strings swell to create the sensation of ecstasy and at others off-beat percussion creates disorientation; though always managing to captivate.
16: WOODEN SHJIPS - Wooden Shjips / Loose Lips EP
Finely-aged drone psych rock from San Francisco that you can boogie to! It must be noted that the three EPs are the real stars of the show. The album is recommended because it comes with a CD version of the first two, which were barely ever in print. Make sure to grab the new one on Sub Pop while it lasts. All three are nearly perfect psychedelia and confirm my beliefs that most bands should release only EPs.
15: SIR RICHARD BISHOP - Polytheistic Fragments / While My Guitar Gently Bleeds
We can take comfort that, even though the Sun City Girls have passed on, the eternal adventures of that gypsy, Sir Richard Bishop continue. The blossoming guitar acustica genre might just have its new king in SRB. This time around, he goes for broke, and offers releases incorporating all of the guitar playing styles he has experimented with during the years. Polytheistic Fragments follows his Django and Ragga inclinations while WMGGB showcases more of his electric and fucked up guitar work.
14: RAMSES III - Honey Rose EP
A beautiful little soundtrack for a film released last year. Honey Rose is, for the most part, shimmering reverb laden guitar soundscapes which at times incorporate field recordings or soft vocals as movements weave in and out. From here we go sublime.
13: POLE - Steingarten
A surprisingly playful turn for Stefan Betke, who is known for his ultra minimalistic dub soundscapes. It would not be a Pole record without the inhuman attention to detail which requires several good listening sessions to appreciate. This could be considered a hip hop record though it is not as obvious as his last long player. It is an inspired, yet relaxed, affair; offering a whole world of blips, bubbly beats and plenty of in-jokes for those that pay attention.
12: STARS OF THE LID – And Their Refinement of the Decline
The title pretty much says it all. Stars of the Lid do further field analysis of the temporal nature of sound. The strings that are now incorporated into their music are a natural progression because of the theoretical similarities it shares the concepts of notes, attack, and decay. It is a match made in heaven.
11: SKULL DISCO - Soundboy Punishments
Middle Eastern tribal percussion infused dubstep from London. This compilation of their 12"s from last year features modern techno with ancient foundations that could be described as an offshoot of Roni Size's oblique drum and bass sound.
10: TIMES NEW VIKING – Present the Paisley Reich
Remember when "indie rock" was fresh and exciting? Well this album might bring back some old feelings and remind you of the days where people made music for completely for themselves, without worry of a "scene" or its conventions. Equal parts Guided By Voices and Dead C, it reminds me of that Slanted and Enchanted review that said that it was a "crust that sparkles." The kids are alright.
09: VON SUDENFED – Tromatic Reflexxions
If there is one thing we should know by now it is that nothing can keep Mark E. Smith down for too long. He has survived his most recent escapades with the Fall and has returned inspired for what seems like the 100th time. Smith teams up with one of electronic music's finest, the severely underrated Mouse On Mars, and delivers a dancehall flavoured monster. The first half of the record is an expertly crafted, deep bass, dance oriented affair complete with chopped up Smith snarls. This should not be too surprising since you can dance to a lot of The Fall's Beggars Banquet era stuff (Cruisers Creek, C.R.E.E.P., ect.) The second half returns to Mouse On Mar's recent sonic experiments. Things ends unexpectedly with one of the sweetest songs Smith has ever penned.
08: SHARON JONES AND THE DAP-KINGS – 100 Days 100 Nights
The Dap-Kings are clearly mining the vaults of Stax in order to assist the amazing Sharon Jones, unquestionably the star of this show. These days, it seems like she is carrying soul music on her shoulders. Soul aficionados will be quick to sniff out many musical moments that comprise the album; but it does no harm; not with singing like that in front of it. I am glad they are going for a more charged soul sound as I thought she was holding back a bit on her last one. Tina Turner is the most obvious influence on this one. For years, Sharon has been a well kept secret for the hip and in the know, but now that secret seems out. There is buzz following this album that, hopefully, will turn to something good for Ms. Jones; she is someone that should be shared. Humble Me sets the bar that marks whether any person from now on can be called a soul singer. Amy who? Why have a girl when I can have a woman instead?
07: CHERRY BLOSSOMS: Cherry Blossoms
Freak folk is still alive and well these days. After seeing the children purveyors of this resurgent genre move on and either reach majestic new heights: Joanna Newsom made Ys, one of the greatest albums I have ever heard; or reach new lows: Devendra Banhart seems to no longer be trying; we unearth the Cherry Blossoms, who seem like a long lost, yet perfectly preserved fossil. Roland Woodbe, the prognosticators of prognosticators, called it moonshine music and I agree. The Cherry Blossoms is light hearted and earnest; it is as true American music as we will find. Six small record labels scrounged up to put out a few copies of this record; and I, being the idiot that I am, ruin side B while transferring it to digital format. A terrible shame; (believe me I am hating myself right now) but fortunately pops and scratches will never hurt this music; this is definitive proof that life is analogue.
06: PAN SONIC - Katodivaihe
Pan Sonic somehow manage to progress from their massive 4cd experiment Kesto with this, an absolute, pure adventure in sound. They are taking it upon themselves to take on the endless possibilities of modern day electronics. Katodivaihe encapsulates the gamut of experimental music: musique concrète (Luc Ferrari), early industrial (Throbbing Gristle), idm (Autechre), and power electronics (Wolf Eyes). It encapsulates the present as middle ground between past and future; highly recommended.
05: ROBERT WYATT - Comicopera
I am always happy when I learn that Robert Wyatt has a new album coming out. It feels like a special present from one of the most wonderful characters in music. I won't get into his frequently recanted story, but I still can't take for granted the effort put into his albums. His streak of consecutive pop gems is going strong. That they are so good is more impressive when you realize master musicians rarely seem to be able to create songs that are well crafted and retain a sense of sincerity. A couple of things stand out in Comicopera: it seems that Robert has been listening to Tortoise (the kids) recently and things turn uncharacteristically dark toward the end. I will follow his voice anywhere and am happy to go down new paths.
04: PANDA BEAR – Person Pitch / WOEBOT – Go Panda! Mix
Panda Bear brought back sample-based music to the masses while still retaining the offbeat skewed-ness that you expect from him. Take Pills, a sweet love note concerning abandoning antidepressants, begins with an apropos recreation of Scott Walker’s Always Coming Back To You before dissolving into pure, chorus laden beauty with the bass line from the Tornadoes' Popeye Twist. To make things even better, Matt Ingram created a companion piece to the record with his Go Panda! Mix. Panda Bear lists his influences in the record booklet but Matt takes things further by putting together the influences he himself sees. Considering Ingram is proving to be one of the finest commentators on modern music, the results are spellbinding and go further than Panda Bear’s discography. We get calypso, ethno jazz, 80s synth pop, and late 90s IDM and everything in between. It is available here: http://www.woebot.com/2007/05/go_panda_1.html.
03: BORIS & MICHI KURIHARA - Rainbow
They really reached for the stars on this one. Boris teamed up Japanese psych master Michi Kurihara, of Ghost fame, to create heavy guitar majesty. The power of Sigur Ros is evident in the opener, while some of Boris’ earlier sustained ambient guitar creeps up in other places.
02: ALESSANDRO STEFANA- Poste E Telegrafi
Some words coming soon.
01: BILL CALLAHAN – Woke on a Whaleheart
An interesting continuation to the story of my favorite record from last year. Bill Callahan has not made such uplifting work since Knock, Knock; the album made when he was dating the other princess of American independent music. (See its cover for a visual gag.) Bill has moved on from his Smog moniker and created one of the best albums in his already praiseworthy canon. He is my favorite singer-songwriter because he is the most adventurous with his music. Each one of his records has a different set of rules; though his lyrics are always top priority. His choice of arrangements is as varied as ever, and his affair with country is more contemporary and pop oriented than his last one. (Some nods to Fleetwood Mac are even heard.) It should be noted that Neil Michael Haggerty does a terrific job producing this record with lean, mean efficiency.
01: BULLWACKIES ALLSTARS - Free For All
02: VARIOUS - Hyphy Hitz
03: DON CHERRY - Live at Cafe Montmartre, 1966
04: NOAH HOWARD - Black Ark
05: VARIOUS - Box of Dub: Dub Step and Future Dub
06: VARIOUS - Now We Are Ten: Trunk Records 10 Year Anniversary Compilation
07: CHRISTINA KUBISCH - Night Flights
08: BOBB TRIMBLE - Harvest of Dreams
09: VARIOUS - Summer Records Anthology (1974-1988)
10: CHARLES MINGUS SEXTET WITH ERIC DOLPHY - Cornell 1964
11: VARIOUS - Brasil 70
12: HENRY FLYNT - Nova' Billy
OTHER RECOMMENDED RECORDINGSBURIAL - Untrue
LUCIANO - No Model No Tool EP
JAMES BLACKSHAW - The Cloud of Unknowing
GUI BORATTO - Chromophobia
RACCOO-OOO-OON – Behold Secret Kingdom
JUSTICE - † (half of it)
SPECIAL THANKS: ENGLANDFor your hospitality, your genuine passion for music, and all your crazy ass shit:
100%dynamite / dabryeripoffelectro / skulldisco / hydeparkdaftpunk / angeloldstreet / reggae / soul / oleschoolidmvinylstillavailable / roughtrade / soundsoftheuniverse / sisterray / honestjons / random12inchdiscolabels / ect. / ect. / ect.
Most importantly, for creating the musical tone for contemporary urban life. See Bark Psychosis' Codename Dustsucker and all dubstep as examples of sound capturing the feelings artists have of living in somber post-industrial areas of London while knowing full well of the impending loom of extradition. It is not all Notting Hill.
MEAN-SPIRITED RANTS TOWARD A CERTAIN ONLINE MUSIC RAG
In regards to you going ga-ga over the National: why did you neglect Mark Eitzel and the American Music Club when they did the same thing over a decade ago? It only made him sadder, you know. Also, if you had half an interest in music you would have realized how LCD Soundsystem's All of My Friends doesn't even bother covering the fact that it is grossly misappropriating Steve Reich's Different Trains. (Gross in the sense that it sounds exactly like what it is: an above-average musician covering one of the greatest composers of the modern era) It's cool to have influences, but half-assed mimicking is no substitute for the real thing. LCD and I used to be friends, back when they did their own thing for those few EPs; now I'd rather listen to the Fall. You should too. I know they don't keep it real, like say, Arcade Fire, but they are still cool, right? Maybe I can write a song where I repeat, "The Fall is playing in my house." That would be rad. It would also be rad if it actually happened. Speaking of bad influences, I'd like my money back for that Deerhunter record. I know they are your friends; that dude is retarded looking; and you felt you had to plug them (endlessly); but come on, I don't have a trust fund to blow on bad records. I should have known better and reacted like I did when you mentioned the name Dan Deacon, or worse still, Matt & Kim. Seriously, wtf?You pal,
Fran
And now to present day:
Something interesting in the following list is the number of musicians with multiple releases. Circle takes the cake with 6(!), but what is important is that they share a nomadic kinship with some of the others, like Sir Richard Bishop, who comes in with 2 albums (not mentioning various tour CD-Rs.) It is refreshing to see musicianship as a lifestyle in this day where anyone can make a brief career for themselves by putting up a single on itunes. These people have to work harder than ever to live off their craft, but then, they wouldn’t have it any other way.
FAVORITE COMPILATIONS OR REISSUES FROM 2007
Posted by Fran at 12:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 24, 2007
P.S.
Keith Whitman's mimaroglumusicsales makes me want to not even bother collecting music.
Posted by Fran at 9:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 20, 2007
MAJOR STAR WARS
So I completed my first real editing work. As I told Wayne Rogers, it is pretty much the nerdiest thing imaginable. I chopped up Star Wars IV and synced it with an operatic rock jam from the Major Stars. It is the track Song for Turner off their album 4. For some reason mixing scorching guitar solos and light saber dueling makes sense in my head.
I wanted to embed it from Youtube but they and Google Video were quick to take it off. So you can download it here if you are interested in watching it. The file is 96.15 MB which should not be too much trouble this day in age. The quality is good.
I hope you like it.
Posted by Fran at 9:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 16, 2007
R.I.P. Mr. Roach
So JAZZHAMMER. has been an obituary lately. But as long as respect is due, I will continue.
Well today saw the death of drummer Max Roach. I am too sick to write too much today but you can check out some of my earlier posts on free jazz. He has got to be in there somewhere. At least check out his and Anthony Braxton's One in Two, Two in One or Birth and Rebirth. Some of my favorite music in the world and arguably still some of the best examples of avant music humans have ever produced.
The New York Times has a nice quote worth repeating:
"In Mr. Roach’s hands, the drum kit became much more than a means of keeping time. He saw himself as a full-fledged member of the front line, not simply as a supporting player."
There are so many great drummers indebted to this man that are responsible for some of the most important music being made these days. Hamid Drake follows in the free jazz tradition. Chris Corsano added a punk d.i.y energy (even though it seems impossible to make Max's 60s drumming more energetic.) Martin Brandlmayr is playing with the kit as a medium of its own aside electronics in many great post rock groups. Like Max, these drummers work on anything and with everyone. These are the people pushing music forward. Think of the best drummer you know. If he/she really is any good, then Max Roach is an influence. If not, help them out. Play them some Max Roach.
This doesn't even begin to show you how amazing Mr. Roach was:
Posted by Fran at 9:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
May 2, 2007
QUICK UPDATE
In lieu of some design updates which I originally thought I would get to in January (of 2006!); I feel like I should add something. But before that, I must say that javascript is pretty fun. I also want to thank the good people that make these things open source.
So for the sake of typing, here are some new releases of 2007 that I have enjoyed and would whole-heartedly recommend:
BILL CALLAHAN - Woke on a Whaleheart
ANDREW DOUGLASS ROTHBARD - Abandoned Meander: Mass distribution this year.
RAMSES III - Honey Rose EP
ALESSANDRO STEFANA - Poste e Telegrafi :Amazing guitar record!!!
STARS OF THE LID - And Their Refinement of the Decline
TIMES NEW VIKING - Present the Paisley Reich
PANTHA DU PRINCE - This Bliss
CIRCLE - Tyrant
POLE - Steingarten: This will undoubtedly sport my favorite album artwork this year. See for yourself below. His first three records were essentially one solid primary color each. They were also three spectacular minimal electronic dub records. This new artwork captures the disparity in the music nicely.
Singles worth mentioning:
AIR - Mer du Japon
GRINDERMAN - No Pussy Blues: Utterly kick-ass.
JOANNA NEWSOM - Colleen: From the fabulously titled Joanna Newsom and the Ys Street Band EP
DEERHOOF - +81
Posted by Fran at 9:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
March 16, 2007
TEMPER TANTRUM MIX
Um, I think only people from Massachusetts or Ohio would even remotely enjoy this.
So enjoy!
JAZZHAMMER. PRESENTS:
JAZZHAMMER.'s Whatever, Dude Mix
47M 06S
Whatever, Dude Mix
196 KBPS | 87.7 MB
(right click save as)
01. Eddy Current Suppression Ring - Get Up Morning
02. Times New Viking - Imagine Dead John Lennon
03. Donna Parker - Go Fuck Yourself
04. Jeff & Jane Hudson - PCP
05. Units - High Pressure Days
06. Goblin - Safari
07. Chris Corsano - How Do You Know Where To Throw The Ball
08. Mouthus - Go To Freeze
09. Hive Mind - Untitled
10. Tom Recchion - Lepidotera
11. Populaire Mechanik - Scharfer Schnitt
12. Geisterfahrer - Geisterfahrer
13. High Rise - Sadame
14. Endless Boogie - Outside Of My Mind
This is a Punk/Drone/Noise/Power Electronics/New Wave mix I just threw together. Quick disclaimer: I fully believe in the never putting the first track of an album on a mix policy but the first couple of bands are up and comers and need all the push they can get. Best foot forward so to speak. This mix has nothing to do with Boston, just a part of my life I miss and some good things about my new home, Brooklyn.
Love,
Fran
Posted by Fran at 8:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
January 21, 2007
JAZZHAMMER LOST EPISODE
Here is one of several lost mixes I have made the last few years that never made it to the site for one reason or another. This one is a psychedelic funk type mix. Pardon the vague description. This was what I was listening to exactly a year ago. I am trying to finish a Scandinavian Post Rock compilation that was almost completed 2 years ago. The art is done and I like how it is turning out. Hopefully I will find some time.
JAZZHAMMER. Psych-Funk Mix | 39M50S | 79MB (right-click save as)
01. THE WEB - THINGS ARE GOING TO WORK OUT RIGHT
02. MCNEAL & NILES - PUNK FUNK
03. PURPLE IMAGE - WHAT YOU DO TO ME
04. HUW JONES - MATHONWY
05. MAULAWI - STREET RAP
06. EBONY RHYTHM BAND - DRUGS AIN'T COOL
07. BLACK ROCK - YEAH YEAH
08. WHEN - CUT
09. MADVILLAIN - SUPERVILLAIN THEME
10. CIMARONS - WE ARE NOT THE SAME
11. DIXIE CUPS - IKO IKO
I made this for a girl.
I don't think she liked it.
It didn't work out.
(font from http://www.misprintedtype.com/ -- he's really good)
Posted by Fran at 10:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
January 16, 2007
DISCO SPECIAL PARTE TRES
Ok so the many people who do not read this thing have been asking:
"So how do you dance to this weirdo disco you like?"
Well, being the swell guy that I am, here is a tutorial of sorts:
DISCO SPECIAL: PARTE TRES | 48M38S | 90MB
01. BRUCE JOHNSON - PIPELINE
02. SCOTCH - PENGUIN'S INVASION
03. FUN FUN - HAPPY STATION
04. ORLANDO RIVA SOUND - MOONBOOTS
05. PEECH BOYS - DON'T MAKE ME WAIT
06. CHRISTIANE F - SUECHTIG
07. DINOSAUR L - KISS ME AGAIN
Now this is where the party begins. The last two compilations were a primer. This one is my version of a disco mix. Eclectic Warrior 2 could be the title. In fact, I got into this whole disco thing by trying to make a second in the Eclectic Warrior series. I got a little distracted. 6 months later we arrive here. I have got plenty of ideas and some gem 12"s so it is definitely coming. Hopefully this makes a strange yet fun listen for you. Happy New Year!
Ahem, if anyone knows anyone that is looking for someone to play some records on any crappy night let me know.
Posted by Fran at 9:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
December 21, 2006
STATE OF THE UNION 2006
JAZZHAMMER. PRESENTS:
THE STATE OF THE UNION 2006
69M 52S
It is time.
01. M. Ward - Chinese Translation - Kind of Devendra Banhart-ish to me. A nice, sweet, little song.
02. Liars - The Other Side of Mt. Heart Attack - It feels heartfelt yet half-assed, but extremely likable. Typical Liars.
03. Yo La Tengo - I Feel Like Going Home - Yo La Tengo are in fine form on this one.
04. Espers - Children of Stone - I think this is very lovely. Tender but creepy at the same time.
05. Brightback Morninig Light - Everybody Daylight - A sun-damaged, hippy jam. But good!
06. Major Stars - Pocket - Major Stars now has a girl vocalist. This is a good blend of their patented wailing, distortion-addled solos; and well, a girl singing something you would hear at a dive.
07. Awesome Color - Grown - Pretty fucking sweet. That yell makes it obviously. What is wrong with the Stooges?
08. TV on the Radio - Wolf Like Me - C'mon. You have to admit that it is a pretty addictive song.
09. Ellen Allien & Apparat - Way Out - As much as I pick on Ellen, this is a very nice single. I wish the rest of the record were as good.
10. Herbert (w/ Danni of course) - Something Isn't Right - To me, the standout track on this mix. When Matthew and Danni are on, they are unstoppable.
11. Booka Shade - Body Language (Interpretation) - They make it sound so easy. It is not.
12. Lindstrom - Further Into the Future - Technically from 2005 but this is an edit from his It's a Fidelity Affair compilation that is different from the original 12" (for the better). I tried really hard to get into that compilation but I couldn't. Lucky for me though, this track is absolutely stellar.
13. Various - Hater - Another one not technically from 2006. In late 2005 - early 2006 Various Production released 3 extremely limited singles this one being one of them. They were soon touted as the next big thing -- mostly by loser blog people like myself. I am talking Massive Attack and UNKLE big, which honestly was hyped by the equivalent of loser blog people a more than a decade ago. The album came out a couple of months ago and didn't make a whimper unfortunately.
14. Ghostface Killah - He's the Champ
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December 19, 2006
another year ends. i am getting old.
So this is a strange moment. It is time for me to pick my top picks for albums this year. I guess when you a) are older and b) have amassed a moderately decent record collection you start thinking about things in a wider context and questioning the relevance of what you hear more. But its probably me beginning to sound like my old man saying, "music isn't as good as it used to be."
The thing is. It might not be. Or at least not as original as it seems. But that is a little unfair.
Best evidence in this are the reissue of seminal works by This Heat. Their albums This Heat and Deceit (1979-1981), sound more modern than any current modern rock band. I have been hearing this evidence a lot lately. A respected musician and record store owner told me that he hasn't heard anything new since Throbbing Gristle and I am beginning to understand. Granted nothing is ever as black and white as I am stating but then I did just hear Grauzone's Die Sunrise Tapes and its beginning to get hard arguing otherwise. Or Monoton's Monotonprodukt 07, or Musica Dispersa's Self Titled, or...
Then of course you see how excited I get when I start talking about the Liars (This Heat and Throbbing Gristle) or Dead Meadow (Black Sabbath and Pink Floyd). Nothing really new. Then there are my rants. (Black Dice's Beaches and Canyons being a complete rip off of Boredom's Vision Creation Newsun). I guess it is more how a band is marketed --ie. don't ever take yourself seriously. People who listen to music can be as passionate as those who make it. I know you have to make money here but don't treat me like an idiot. Rock Stardom died 20 years ago -- with Regeanomics.
So the best I can do now is review what I have heard this year that I really enjoyed. I think it is fair to split it between what came out this year and what came out previously. It is up to you to decide to compare the lists. I think this is a better way to review your year.
I am getting old.
FRAN'S FAVORITE NEW ALBUMS OF 2006:
15: AWESOME COLOR - AWESOME COLORBasically a three piece that loves the Stooges. Only the energy of the Stooges actually comes across. Not many points for originality but I have to admit I blasted this often, and hey, its my list and I'll rock if I want to.
14: MAJOR STARS - SYNTOPTIKONThey well deserved my top spot last year and they mixed things up a bit since then. I am absolutely fully aware that I am a fan boy, but I am going to say it: This record was misunderstood. Drink a few sips of whiskey and head dive into the feedback. err, your choice of many at any given time. Glorious cacophony. Like the old free jazz masters. Think about it.
13: BOOKA SHADE - MOVEMENTSGranted there hasn't been much progress in electronic dance music since Ricardo Villalobos' Alcacholfa, these guys did an admirable job in 2006. This is a solid record though and its not a top 10 because it is not a fresh standout like Isolee's We Are Monster was. I would recommend this over the undewhelming Orchestra Of Bubbles.
12: MATMOS - THE ROSE HAS TEETH IN THE MOUTH OF A BEASTOne of two of the more traditionally artistic records on my list. Matmos brings us 10 sonic portraits of some very interesting people in their own right. There really is not much more I can say about it. Each is a strange and beautiful creature in its own way with different rules and methods used.
11: ESPERS - ESPERS IINicely done dark, brooding, psychedelic folk rock music. They head towards Radiohead-ish post-rock prog on this album. It is rather lovely.
10: HERBERT - SCALESSee my comments for my best of for last year. Mr. Herbert and I compromised and met halfway. The result is a top 10 record. I can't imagine even someone in a big music school submitting a project this good.
09: YO LA TENGO - I AM NOT AFRAID OF YOU AND I WILL BEAT YOUR ASSMy pick for best pop record of the year. This "comeback record" is a comeback from something better than most bands could do. But if it wasn't obvious enough after over 15 years, Yo La Tengo are here to stay. Lets just promise not to start doubting them again any time soon.
08: SCOTT WALKER - THE DRIFTThis year's Kate Bush tour de force return album of the year award goes to Scott Walker, one of the greatest living male vocalists. Much like his last record, Tilt, this is extremely dark, moody, and visceral. A true work of art. It is still incredible to contrast the range of this man's career and a song like Jesse with one like Jackie. Nice to know Drew Daniels (Matmos) agrees!!
07: BARGE RECORDING ARCHIVE - INNATUREA perfect primer of the state of post rock in 2006. Barge Recording Archive collects new work from the likes of fantastic acts Circle, Polmo Polpo, Tim Hecker, and the equally impressive up-and-coming Geoff Mullen and The Fun Years. You've gots your dones. You've got your rumbles. And some feedback in there for good measure. With special sauce.
06: LIARS - DRUM'S NOT DEADAnother fuck you to the doubters. (See Top 10 of 2004). This one further progresses the escapades of the Liars. Talking about confidence is a strange way of describing the band as they seem to be about the lack of the need for it. Percussion seem to have something to do with this one somehow... It is even touching at points as there is a pop song in there about moving away to a new city and leaving your loved ones. I can sympathize with that. Though I wish I were in Berlin too. Watching it as a video in the dvd format is very well done and a great experience. [EDIT] I just read pitchfork's "but even their staunchest champions couldn't have anticipated the avant-rock masterstroke of their third album, Drum's Not Dead." Um, I think we all did.
05: RICARDO VILLALOBOS: ACHSO EPRicardo is currently the greatest thing going in electronic dance music according to this guy. This double 12" EP consists of 4 stylistically "variations" per se of um, something. Each of the 4 sides runs at least 12 minutes making this an long player if judged by time. It is avant, silky, slinky, shape-shifting, bubbly, and any other 10th grade adjective you can throw at it. How I have yet to see this on any other year end list thus far is beyond me. It seems a pretty easy pick. I guess Playhouse didn't do as much to promote this as EMI did t to push the new Hot Chip to the kids. This is the complete opposite of that lazy record. For shame.
04: GHOSTFACE KILLAH - FISHSCALE"You ain't been hungry since Supreme Clientel!" He is now.
03: TIM HECKER: HARMONY IN ULTRAVIOLETBasically this is a craftsman further honing in his skills. You can hear the command and confidence building in each release. This is especially impressive when it is enigmatic drone music, which is mostly based on the communication of feeling.
02: JAMES BLACKSHAW: O TRUE BELIEVERSTake my word, this boy will be a legend one day. The acoustic guitar seems to be in good hands these days. John Fahey and his compatriots would be happy to know that the path they cleared is still being traveled on today. He's fucking 24!
01: JOANNA NEWSOM - YSNumber one by at least two miles. Not only a stunning leap forward for Joanna, which separates her from a growing group of fantastic female singer songwriters, but arguably the best album released this year. Recorded and produced by two of the top in the business, these are 5 epic baroque-tinged suites of seemingly simple moments of life and contemplation with the saturated depth and feeling of relationships, passion, and lust interwoven throughout it all. There is wide-eyed wonder in the young milk-eyed mender. She's fucking 24! The songs and lyrics are incredible in their flow and delivery and they will leave you spellbound. The interplay between her and the extremely lucky, yet deserving, Bill Callahan provides me with infinite amounts of jealousy.
All my bones they are gone, gone, gone
Take my bones, I don't need none
Cold, cold cupboard, lord, nothing to chew on!
Suck all day on a cherry stone
Dig a little hole, not three inches round
Spit your pit in the hole in the ground
Weep upon the spot for the starving of me!
Till up grow a fine young cherry tree
Well when the bough breaks, what'll you make for me?
A little willow cabin to rest on your knee
What'll I do with a trinket such as this?
Think of your woman, who's gone to the west
But I'm starving and freezing in my measly old bed!
Then i'll crawl across the salt flats to stroke your sweet head
Come across the desert with no shoes on!
I love you truly, or I love no-one.
God fucking damn. Bill is definitely an older man than I, but it just takes a girl to breathe her youth into him. Ain't that the truth.
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Stay tuned for the compilations, reissues and seminal work that I heard for the first time that made up 2006 in music for me. (As well as my State Of The Union)
Posted by Fran at 9:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
October 27, 2006
DISCO SPECIAL PART DEUX
DISCO SPECIAL: PART DEUX | 77M02S | 109MB | NOW iTUNES READY!
01. SISTER SLEDGE - LOST IN MUSIC -- Not really space disco, but it has that feel. I first heard this as a Fall cover off the criminally underrated Infotainment Scam.
02. GANYMED - FUTURE WORLD -- This one is kind of silly but it is great thinking how it was definitely really cool to some people in Europe 30 years ago.
03. CHARLIE - SPACER WOMAN -- This is the definitive space/italo disco track. A step in the right direction for the female vocals though it maintains the appeal. It is great to compare this to the previous track to see how things evolve.
04. STARFLIGHT - DANCE TO THE BEAT -- Just solid.
05. GIORGIO MORODER -- I'M LEFT, YOU'RE RIGHT, SHE'S GONE -- A personal hero (my aspirations of having my own line of lamborgini come from him.) Giorgio can be credited for helping pioneer most modern electronic music today. All hail the great moustachio'd one.
06. EUROFUNK - MANSHORTAGE -- This is the original version of the great track off Morgan Geist's classic Unclassics. The re-pressings sold quickly but I was lucky to have snagged a copy.
07. LIME - ON THE GRID (DUB) -- Cheesy synths, an endless pulsating techno beat, and lyrics about being a great dj --nuff said.
08. YAZOO - SITUATION (DUB) -- Good stuff. The original is a great tight little number. It was not surprising for some well known disco producers to have visited studio one every so often. There is plenty of dub references in a lot of left field disco.
09. SHERAVARI - A NUMBER OF NAMES -- there is a krazy, dark kraut vibe here.
10. KANO - ALL THE BEST -- Everyone loves a vocoder. This one is subtly a bit all over the map.
11. GAZ NEVADA - I.C. LOVE AFFAIR -- I have been hearing these sounds a lot lately.
12. KEBEKELEKTRIK - WAR DANCE -- My absolute favorite Tom Moulton mix. His vague take on Kraftwerk. If you compare this to the original 2:30 minute version you can really see what Tom did so well. One of my favorite dance tunes ever. The horns with the pitch change near the end slay me.
Part 2. On this compilation, we leave the planet earth for a bit. Most of theDon't worry, we will return with part 3. There is just too much good disco that I would love to share.
Posted by Fran at 11:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
October 18, 2006
ONLY IN NEW YORK
$16.
The $7 one.
Posted by Fran at 8:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
October 17, 2006
DISCO SPECIAL
DISCO SPECIAL: PART ONE | 68M44S | 97.1MB | NOW iTUNES READY!
01. Fred Wesley - House Party
02. The Detroit Emeralds - Feel The Need In Me
03. Double Exposure - My Love Is Free
04. Silvetti - Spring Rain
05. Bunny Sigler - By The Way You Dance (I Knew It Was You)
06. Universal Robot Band - Barely Breaking Even
07. Suzy Q - Get On Up And Do It Again
08. Tamiko Jones - Can't Live Without Your Love
09. Donna Summer - Love To Love You Baby
Disco. What a fucking genre. Why was it burned at the stake by the general population? I don't recall there ever being public record burnings of smooth jazz and that probably deserved it more. What people seem to forget is that disco is one of the most musically intelligent and adaptive of genres. There is no Disco Duck here. Disco has fast become one of my favorite musical genres and I am always surprised by what I find. So I'd like to share.
This is the first of a two part series. (possibly three.) It is the more traditional disco mix of the two. (or three.) You might want to call it "A Tom Moulton Mix" since he mixed quite a few of these tracks. I would also recommend you check out the new Soul Jazz Records compilation by the same name. Track 02 is on it. My jam of the year. There is plenty on the web on Mr. Moulton but two quick points is that he is a founding father or the extended mix and consequently the 12". A very important man.
I am vaguely trying to give a balls out overview of the massive nature of disco but that will be impossible to do. Nothing incredibly rare here, but it would still all sound as good in the clubs today as it did then. This mix starts with more Philly/Northern Soul and Funk type Disco and proceeds to the more Orchestral side of things and then hangs out in Miami and I end it with what some consider the best Disco track ever: the epic, Love To Love You Baby. Everyone should hear it at least it once in their lives. Stay tuned to part deux. It will be pure mayhem. Space, Dub, Italo, Electro and other indescribable sorts of Disco. And don't even get me started with Arthur Russell and nor the de-constructionists. Trust me, it will be fun, fun, fun.
Posted by Fran at 11:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
April 13, 2006
dead beat dad
monotonprodukt 07
missa breve
this heat
torch of the mystics
o true believers
unreleased jazzhammer psych funk mix
wayne&wax's merry remix-mas
after the heat
belize city boil up
achso
drums not dead
fishscale
syntoptikon
sewn
camino del sol
hosanna mantra
woebot's disco mix
Posted by Fran at 10:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
December 25, 2005
STATE OF THE UNION 2005
YO!
JAZZHAMMER. PRESENTS:
THE STATE OF THE UNION 2005
64M 40S
Once again, I'd like to finish off the year on a positive note. There is no better way to do that than with pop music. These are some of my favorite songs this year:
01. Quintron & Miss Pussycat - Squirrel Gardens
02. Stephen Malkmus - Baby C'mon
03. A Band Of Bees - Hourglass
04. Jamie Lidell - Multiply
05. Devendra Banhart - Long Haired Child
06. Super Furry Animals - Frequency
07. Stereolab - Interlock
08. Broadcast - I Found The 'F'
09. Low - California
10. Silver Jews - How Can I Love You If You Won't Lie Down?
11. Dead Meadow - At Her Open Door
12. The Fall - What About Us?
13. Circle - Tulilintu
14. Sleater Kinney - Jumpers
15. M.I.A. - Bingo
16. The Juan Maclean - Give Me Every Little Thing
17. The Game - Hate It Or Love It
State Of The Union 2005
128 KBPS | 58.8 MB
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A blurb or two coming soon.
Posted by Fran at 10:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
STATE OF THE UNION 2005
YO!
JAZZHAMMER. PRESENTS:
THE STATE OF THE UNION 2005
64M 40S
Once again, I'd like to finish off the year on a positive note. There is no better way to do that than with pop music. These are some of my favorite songs this year:
01. Quintron & Miss Pussycat - Squirrel Gardens
02. Stephen Malkmus - Baby C'mon
03. A Band Of Bees - Hourglass
04. Jamie Lidell - Multiply
05. Devendra Banhart - Long Haired Child
06. Super Furry Animals - Frequency
07. Stereolab - Interlock
08. Broadcast - I Found The 'F'
09. Low - California
10. Silver Jews - How Can I Love You If You Won't Lie Down?
11. Dead Meadow - At Her Open Door
12. The Fall - What About Us?
13. Circle - Tulilintu
14. Sleater Kinney - Jumpers
15. M.I.A. - Bingo
16. The Juan Maclean - Give Me Every Little Thing
17. The Game - Hate It Or Love It
State Of The Union 2005
128 KBPS | 58.8 MB
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A blurb or two coming soon.
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December 23, 2005
CLAP YR HANDS SAY BLEH
-
ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN...
20: KOMPAKT - Total 6
Another year brings another Total Compilation from what is now the most respected electronic music label on the planet. They pretty much put the german in german techno. After 2 relatively disspointing releases (5 and 100), this one is a return to form of sorts. I still think that it would be a much stronger compilation were it "kompakted" into one disc. (Sorry)
19: DELIA GONZALEZ & GAVIN RUSSOM - The Days of Mars
Not exactly the most original music despite its seemingly avant guard appearances. But all I know is that I am a much happier man when albums like this have major label backings that when they are not.
18: JAMIE LIDELL - Multiply
What a treat! Soul music via Warp Records and it works simply because the man can sing and deep down, the arrangements are well rooted.
17: EDAN - Beauty and the Beat
One of the best hip hop records this year comes from a white boy. Early 90s hip hop (true school, right Dave?) with mushroomy psychedelic beats.
16: STEPHEN MALKMUS - Face the Truth
This highly underrated third solo record from Mr. Malkmus is perhaps his strongest to date. It is loaded with odes to all of his favorite guitar records including one great one to his old band.
15: RHYTHM & SOUND - See Mi Yah
Great, great, great versions on the sounds of post dub by the masters featuring the most respected reggae vocalists today.
14: SMOG - A River Ain't Too Much Too Love
Bill Callahan finally finds a way to deal with hope after misery. It took him couple of tries. A good Smog record will always be on my list. Some of the finest lyrics I heard all year are on "Say Valley Maker".
13: BROADCAST - Tender Buttons
The first Broadcast that I really liked. Its kind of strange that it took them the loss of a band member and all their intricacies to make a gem of a record.
12: THE JUAN MACLEAN - Less Than Human
Again, nothing completely new by this other record to take advantage of the DFA distribution deal but it doesn't mean that this album didn't give me good times. Atleast this makes up for the underwhelming album. Kudos to Astralwerks for their business savvy and their good ears --and the Brian Eno reissues!
11: KATE BUSH - AERIAL
Hmm, lets see: Duet with Birds? Check. Singing out the numbers of Pi? Check. Yeah, I'm gay. Gay for Kate Bush!
10: SUPER FURRY ANIMALS - LOVE KRAFT
My favorite pop band returns once again. Though not as good as their last record, the best moments in this make me realize that I am a fan of theirs for life. Zoom!, Ohio Heat and Frequency are perfect pop songs.
09: KELLEY POLAR - Love Songs For Hanging Gardens
Now this is the kind of house music Matthew Herbert should be doing instead of his current overzealous output. I know many of you think you too good for house music, but let me tell you that you are missing out on some tasty business. Good house music is about the obsession of staying in bed all day with your lover. This is the perfect encapsulation of it. If you can't relate to that, then I pity you. Let me just say that the producer, Morgan Geist, will be huge one day soon. I started off my year with his Unclassics Compilation (which would easily make my top 3 for last year had I heard it then) and I could not be happier to end it with this.
08: ISOLEE - We Are Monster
The best electronic album of the year, period. Completely modern -- with nods to the sleek stylings of Berlin Techno and plenty of Autechre-like inticracies. I am thoroughly impressed.
07: Paavoharju - Yha Hamaraa
I was fortunate enough to get a copy of this at the Finish Free Folk Tour/Rolling Gypsy Caravan this summer. Wonderful psyche/fuzz/casio-laden music by a girl who reminds me of the magic bjork has lost.
06: GANG GANG DANCE - God's Money
If there was any album more suited for me this year I don't know what it is. What "Weird America" [Worst Title Ever!] would be with backbone.
05: Superpitcher - Today
Superpitcher has put out one of the finest techno mixes in ages. (Sorry Ellen Ailien, Annie, Ivan Smagghe, the DJ Kicks folk, and all you other wannabies) Today shows you the dynamic musicality that dance music can encompass if done right. If you are trying to get into techno you simply can't go wrong with this.
04: Endless Boogie - Black/White 12"s
Endless Boogie! How could I almost forget these 12"s? Unfortunately, extremely limited (500 and 150 copies respectively) so unless you caught their amazing show you probably never heard of them. The Real Deal. Pure Boogie. Raw, lo-fi, whiskey and stoned-out jams somehow caught on wax. John Lee Hooker would be proud, had he been a Hell's Angel.
03: M.I.A. - Arular
Best hip-hop, dancehall, grime, world, female, ect., ect., album of the year. I don't think anyone can dispute that. You haven't heard 2005 if you haven't heard this.
02: DEAD MEADOW - Feathers
What can I say? I am a psychedelic rock guy. When others are wreaking havoc with doom and lore, these guys cut through the bullshit and just kick out the jams.
01: MAJOR STARS - 4
Simply put, no other record brought me more joy this year than this one. You guys are rock and roll fun. My air-guitar and I salute you.
------------------------------------------------------------------
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OTHER NOTABLES:
- Sunn 0))): Black 1 - I have been a little Sunn-ed o))ut these last couple of years to love this like everyone else.
- Brendon Anderegg: Falling Air - Closest thing to an indie pop record I can enjoy. I really want to hear the Mountains record.
- Cold Bleak Heat: It's Magnificent, But It Isn't War - Anti-war protest free-jazz. What else can I say?
- Keith Fullerton Whitman: Multiples - Another hometown hero to root for. He makes academia fun.
- Konono No. 1: Congotronics - I don't think any self respecting blogger missed the tour this year.
- Bonnie 'Prince' Billy & Matt Sweeny: Superwolf - Oh, you two.
- A Band of Bees: Free The Bees - Very surprising. Very nice.
- Growing: Live Tour EP - I adore these guys. Ambient Drone/Noise by way of guitar. How can I not love it?
------------------------------------------------------------------
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FAVORITE MUSIC RELATED MOMENTS THAT I CAN RECALL:
- Circle - Live in Brooklyn: Finally, after all these years I was able to catch one of my favorite bands live. And it rocked harder than anything I could ever imagine. Finland's finest made a lot of converts this fall.
- Judee Sill Live Quicktime Video Extra: I remember watching this with my roommate and being completely blown away by her performance. Then our neighbors complained and told us to turn the [FOLK MUSIC!] down.
- The Mark E. Smith Stories my good pal told me.
- The Konono No. 1 Tip Hat when they played. For a brief moment, the audience had no idea what to do. Culture shock can be funny --Both ways. How do you explain to African people that white people don't dance.
- Fursaxa Live makes my heart flutter each time.
- Morgan Geist's Incredible Italo-Disco Collection both live and on record was a lot of fun to dance to.
- That fucking flute song Dungen played live.
- And the whole set Endless Boogie played before it.
Posted by Fran at 6:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
September 2, 2005
RL GOT SOUL
R.I.P.
RL BURNSIDE
Very, very sad to think that one of the last great blues-men saw his world destroyed before he left. Then of course, thats the way the blues work, don't it?
Please Donate Money or Blood to the RED CROSS.
A song or two once I get home...
Posted by Fran at 2:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
July 1, 2005
R.I.P. BASIL KIRCHIN
So today when my copy of Basil Kirchin's Abstractions of the Industrial North arrived, I checked out the website to read up about it only to discover that he passed away this week.
Basil Kirchin was a jazz musician that made his name as a drummer in the 1940s and went on to create wonderfully abstract records in the 1960s and 70s. He became obsessed with compositions which tied in jazz, lounge, tape loops and sound collage. His music has even featured Don Cherry, Evan Parker and Jimmy Page. However, obviously so, his audience was not particularly large and so he has gone on to become an obscure legend.
In 2003 or so, a wacky man by the name of Johnny Trunk, who worked with vintage erotica and lounge music put out his Quantum record. Once I heard this, I immediately became hooked. Trunk Records has since gained a small cult following of sorts and gone on to reissue some great italo-horror and porn soundtracks and has also helped respark intrest in the insidental music of Dawn of the Dead, which is fabulous.
So a big thanks to Johnny Trunk for reissuing and compiling some of Basil's music the last couple of years and letting me hear this underappreciated artist. As a sidenote, Johnny himself does home-made kitzchy exotica mood music. Its very delightful.
So I take great pleasure in sharing with something from one of the special gems of my record collection. This is an uneasy track which fluctuates between a nightmare and a delacate daydream. If I am correct, Basil recorded patients in a psychiatric hospital for this composition.
I should have done this much sooner but I guess Basil was never in any kind of hurry anyways.
Basil Kirchin: Special Relativity
Posted by Fran at 2:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
June 29, 2005
BEHIND THE WALL OF HAZE
JAZZHAMMER. PRESENTS:
BEHIND THE WALL OF HAZE
a primer of the new generation of psychedelic rock
72M 26S
01 Dead Meadow - Golden Cloud
02 Dead Meadow - Me and the Devil Blues
03 Comets On Fire - Whiskey River
04 Major Stars - Song For Turner
05 Surface To Eceon - The Open Sea
06 Bardo Pond - Every Man
07 Six Organs Of Admittance - On Returning Home
08 Acid Mothers Temple - Universe of Romance
09 Sun O)) - Rabbits' Revenge
Behind The Wall Of Haze
160 KBPS | 84.3 MB
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To mark my [hopeful] return to my site, I made a mix of psychedelic guitar rock (a.k.a. stoner rock) for you alls. I think it is a good way of reintroducing myself since I guess if I were forced to pick a genre that I fall back on, it would have to be this one.
This compilation starts of with a two parter from Dead Meadow, one of my favorite rock bands these days. As will be seen with a great portion of the tracks, the affirmative influence of heavy psychedelic rock fore-fathers, Black Sabbath is only the beginning. Dead Meadow display the most straight forward blend of solid Black Sabbath and Pink Floyd fueled psychedelic rock of all the bands covered on this compilation. Yet the results are still refreshing and show that this genre still has a few more tokes left.
Comets of Fire (which sometimes features Ben Chasny --who is Six Organs of Admittance) come in with a bombast that is straight up MC5 --The cannibus-inspired political rock jesters of the 1960s.
Next up is my local darlings, Major Stars. Once you hear this monster, there is nothing much else to say. Dueling guitar solos by both Wayne and Kate and plenty of feedback fun for the whole family.
Surface to Eceon come in with their Northwest blend of Space Rock. Complete with a concept of reaching the surface of Eceon, a planet millions of miles high above earth with some dragons and shit. Rad.
Bardo Pond, probably the hardest working and most underrated band in this compilation come in with a beauty from their last record. Formally associated with the 90s Psychedelphia scene, they put out some great records on Matador and now are on the All Tomorrows Party label which was specially created to put this and the Magic Band's new record. A psilcybin inspired, hazy and eerie folk and feedback laden beauty featuring vocals from the leading lady of psych-rock.
As previously mentioned, one of the darlings of psychedelic music today is the John Fahey and Raga educated Ben Chasny. He is a talented young guitar player who rocks out with Comets on Fire and does his own thing as Six Organs of Admittance. His albums usually contain acid folk, raga, ambient drone and he excels in them all. For more of the Raga and Folky Psych, check out Jack Rose and Glen Jones. (And also do hear the father of American Guitar Raga, John Fahey) Ben also touches upon the stylings of the Free Folk Scene which includes Tower Recordings, Jackie O' Motherfucker and No Neck Blues Band.
Acid Mothers Temple come to us from Japan. Having seemingly put out almost 100 records in the past couple of years, and not to mention that they try almost every combination of Psychedelic Rock possible --from drone to heavy metal to Ghostish traditional japanese psych, it is hard to pick something. I decided to put out a straightforward piece that shows them doing a simple whizzing and buzzing noise technique over some softspoken feedback often heard in this type of music. I think it comes off well.
Finally we reach Sun O)), named after the famous amps of the same name. Critics can say that they are a great Earth revivalist band but I just say lets end the night here, with Sub-Bass Doom Rock.
Posted by Fran at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
June 21, 2005
MAJOR STARS 4
So I guess I deserve this since I have been hesitant to write for a while. Bitchfork finally reviews the last Major Stars record. Which came out ...a fucking long time ago. Way to keep the hipsters up to date. Anyways, This has been my jam for a while and I swear I was gonna write about it and the Twisted Village scene. I actually wanted to write a nice piece on it (I have the notes if you want to see) since December but my life has lead me astray from my sweet, sweet psychedelic past. Substitute the score with a 9.3 and you kind of got what I wanted to say. Talk about a long disrespected band and scene. They are currently on hiatus right now unfortunately, but if you do happen to see that they playing a show near you (Good luck, not-Boston), do your undeserving ass a favor and catch them. Wayne and Kate will tear you a new asshole in yer ear with their elecric guitars. Plus, you'll see plenty great rock stances. Don't forget to wear ear-plugs.
So, let me explain my lack of updates...
I am in the middle or a reorganization of my life. I am trying to decide what direction I am heading in and when I am gonna get off my ass to do it. This blog is something I would defintely like to keep but not in its current state. Music blogs are already stale. Even the ones I like such as ::cough:: XXXX XXX XXXXX ::cough:: and XX XXX XXXX XXXXXX are becoming nothing more than just a band name drop of the day.
Basically, If I am gonna do this, I am gonna do this right. It just happens to be really hard to figure out how to do it right. It seems like all blogs are talking about music these days. I love kottke.org, but hearing him talk about music and film makes me cringe. And I can't really say leave it to the professionals since they aren't doing that much of a better job. (I miss WOEBOT. with all my heart.) It just seems like everything is basically an allmusic.com type deal where people look up a record and if it scores a certain point, they will get it. LAME! But then, a lot of people I totally respect ignore the internet all together, but then again, they are usually musicians who are far too busy to even bother keeping up with the latest DFA 12".
So back to my site, I don't want to be pretentious and tell you about some new band in town thats cooler than whats on Pitchfork since A. Thats too easy B. Thats not what this is about. I guess something I do like about what I have written is that (atleast with the original older stuff) it is somewhat personal. As it should be. Please remember that I am a complete nerd and that I am just trying to write about what I can't help rambling about. Musical taste is a journey and should not be guided to be cool or even to relate to others. HA! (So go ahead and play your Postal Service record if you want, I won't judge.)
So if you are still reading this site, then bear with me as I experiment and learn to project my thoughts better. I promise a new mix by the end of the week.
Now turn off your computer and go to Twisted Village and buy Major Stars 4 from Wayne. Your problems will melt away in syrupy feedback and will forget that sometimes life can be daunting and that you have some important decisions coming up. You will realize that rock and roll can fix all your problems and that instead of worrying about your own complexes and pretentions you can focus on improving your air guitar technique. Yes, you can do all of this --atleast until the record ends.
Plus, Wayne's a nice guy.
Posted by Fran at 9:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
March 16, 2005
Music // Response
Its been a while since I really posted about music. Now that winter is seemingly coming to an end, its time for JAZZHAMMER. to thaw out.
So, how have you been?
Good to hear.
Me?
I've been good, thanks for asking.
What have I been listening too?
Well...
Dead Meadow: Feathers LP
Everyone's favorite band is back and its time to get high! This record has been playing nonstop for me since I first heard it. If you know me, then you know that I am a tiny bit obsessed with Dead Meadow. If you don't know me and don't know about Dead Meadow, then all I can say is that they play the finest Black Sabbath/Pink Floyd inspired psychedelic guitar driven jams this side of, umm, lets see, ...the universe. Their last record, Shivering King and Others is one of my favorites. They are experts in the finest elements of the heavy psych-rock cannon. They get the meandering come down syrupy haze just right and they can effortlessly bring on the heavy and rock your sorry ass to the ground. This album plays closely to the last, though there are some important key differences. One, they have a new guitar player. In Shivering King, they were a 3 piece and it was gorgeous how the bassist would cover for the guitarist when he went for those extended guitar solo magnum opuses. This album on the other hand takes advantage of another skilled guitarist. They play off each other quite often. Shivering King had more of a theme that eventually gave way to an amazing sitar driven 2 parter. This album is much more pop oriented, with overt melodies leading some songs such as the sublime 'At Her Open Door'. It doesn't rock as hard as Shivering King for the most part but that is part of its game plan. It waddles in its psychedelic haze and let me tell you that it is fucking great in there. I dare you to find me a band that uses Orange amps and wah-wah pedals better than Dead Meadow. I am thrilled that these are two different albums and that I can love each on its own merits. In other words, 1 down 9 to go. My top 10 for 2005 already has a guaranteed spot and it is high up there.
Did I mention that this is the perfect record to hone your air guitar skills with?
Morgan Geist: Unclassics CD
A bunch of friends and I have been really into this album these last couple of months. Definitely one of the finest releases of last year. Would have made my top 10 easily had I not heard it until January. Its one hell of an italo-disco/electronic dance
compilation by Morgan Geist of Metro Area. Really a compilation of awkward disco clunkers that weren't pretty enough to dance with Travolta. Hearing the tunes, you quickly realize that your prom could have been the best night of your life had this played. Yes, some of the tracks are now legendary cult favorites, like Pluton & the Humanoids' 'World Invaders' which has the marvelous chorus of "space invaders from outer space..." sung through the mandatory vocoder. One of my personal favorite moments includes the two expertly mixed tracks, 'Margherita' & 'Man Shortage'. I'd like you to name a disco track which features a mariachi horn arrangement and another that has a Peruvian pan flute in the background which eventually breaks down to the desperate cries of "I need a man!" "I'll beg for more!". (which in all honesty is what disco really is all about) With enough Moroder synth sounds to justify Scarface amounts of cocaine, this is a 100% guaranteed good time.
We gonna dance? Yes we is!
Mia: Arular CD-R
Yeah, I know that this isn't out yet. And I am not going to even get into the ongoing hype/backlash that is too well documented for its own good. It is besides the point. This is a great record. I fell absolutely head over heels in love the first time I heard 'Galang'. What a fucking track! Pop-Dancehall! In a just world, M.I.A. would be the new Missy Elliott. (an obvious, referenced influence on this record) Hopefully her grimey/worldly blend of hip hop will not deter American listeners because by the halfway point of the record, there is nobody who can deny that this girl owns. I really believe that how this record is received will be indicative to the open-mindedness of hip-hop/popular culture. I know I shouldn't be too judgmental since I never got on the Dizzy Rascal or Wiley grime boat and I come a little too close to being a backpacker for my own good, but this girl has the class and the sass to shake your ass.
Cold Bleak Heat: It's Magnificent, But It Isn't War CD
Free jazz from Western Mass, what? A 60 year old sax player and a 20 year old drummer? Come again? Too good to be true but its right here. Local heroes Paul Flaherty and Chris Corsano, along with really local hero, Greg Kelley (Nmperign) and No Neck Blues Band hero Matt Heyner have come together to release a free jazz political record. Lucky for us, the politics is in the emotions conveyed instead of some bullshit hippy banter. Everyone is always looking to root for the hometown team and finally there is one that deserve your attention. All you need to know is that Flaherty wails like a motherfucker; Corsano beats the shit out of drums like only he can; Kelley can make the most interesting textures and tones from his trumpet and Heyner holds it all together with his bass. Having been lucky enough to seen them all play, together and apart these last few years, I have been comforted in knowing that Albert Ayler's torch has been haded down to a new generation. These folks are that process in action.
Posted by Fran at 11:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
February 19, 2005
Sometimes the Cosmos Align
So as most of you know, I have been very much into disco, funk, and dance music lately. I might have even commented 2 weeks ago how I found a repressing of Dinosaur's Kiss Me Again and Again 12". (The one with "the big 'ole queen" --and David Byrne!!!) 13 minutes of seminal disco from Arthur Russell. I am thinking of making a left field disco comp but they seem to be the rage these days. Some amazing ones include, Morgan Geist's Unclassics; Mantronix's Thats My Beat and the Disco Not Disco series.
I swear the party album is coming, I am working on a guest artist series for the covers.
ANYWAYS, my point being is that I just found out about a fucking gem in the making. As it turns out, Polmo Polpo released a VERY limited edition pressing of a cover of that very Dinosaur tune I was talking about. So what we have is a post rock disco remix of sorts and it is fucking fantastic. Its 22 minutes long and if you have heard the original, you will recognize the passages and intricacies that made it so spectacular. It almost shimmers like jellyfish floating in the ocean. There is even some Steve Reich inspired moments thrown into the pot. It ebb and flows through moments which are sometimes awkard and off-key to others that are full of great disco breakbeat propulsions seamlessly. It is hypnotizing and absolutely wonderful. Polmo Polpo does not sing however.
Since this is so limited and probably not available any longer, you can listen to it here.
Posted by Fran at 10:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
January 24, 2005
HOLY SHIT
I just found out that one of my favorite bloggers is teaching a course at the Harvard Extension School this semester on electronic music post 1960s. It looks so good I want to cry.
Posted by Fran at 10:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
January 23, 2005
QUARTERLY CONCERN: WINTER 2005 MIX
A long time ago, I hinted that I tend to listen to more predominately "eclectic" music than traditional pop. I have the annual State Of The Union Mix showcasing highlights of pop music I hear during said year. Now, I would like to introduce the Quarterly Concern Mix Series which is a way for me to keep track of the experimental music I listen to. So every season, I will present a new mix.
This is music made by real artists. They are constantly deconstructing musical components and rebuilding them anew to undertand their intentions, create work of stark originality, but most importantly, to progress the evolution of music since, as those who get it understand, music is a living, breathing creature. These musicians understand the concept of sound since it is an invaluable component of their work. It is made to envelop the listener and provoke feeling as opposed to just relying on traditional simple melodies that win us over by familiarity. (Though there are plenty hidden in this mix if you pay close attention)
What I mean by this is: PLAY FUCKING LOUD!!!
JAZZHAMMER. QUARTERLY CONCERN: WINTER 2005 MIX
69M 06S
01. Wolf Eyes: Stabbed In The Face
02. Liars: Hold Hands And It Will Happen Anyways
03. Circle: Jalet*
04. Polmo Polpo: Requiem For A Fox*
05. Bark Psychosis: From What Is Said To When Its Read*
06. Battles: SZ2
07. Keith Fullerton Whitman: Weiter
08. Spring Heel Jack: Lata
09. Radian: Shift
10. Fennesz: Circassian
11. Pixel Display: Scrapple From The Apple*
Quarterly Concern: Winter 2005
128 KBPS | 61.5 MB
(right click save as)
Notes and Warnings:
- First of all, I would like to give a word of caution about the first track. Some of you may never speak to me again.
- I am obviously ripping of mcsweeney's with the art work.
- Since I am a neurotic, geeky bastard, there is a theme to this mix. Rather, there is a distinguishable progression. The mix begins with sound (err, extreme noise) and it evolves as the mix progresses to a very binary, electronic last track.
- Where noted (*), tracks will be in some excerpt form. This is due to time constraints for the most part. In many cases, important passages are missing. And with Scrapple For The Apple, I didn't want to "give away the ending". So please, buy the records. I swear they are great.
For those of you taken back a little from this mix, please know that my next mix is going to be a party album tentatively titled, "Eclectic Warrior".
Posted by Fran at 3:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
January 14, 2005
i can't believe i never realized this
Forum: I love music
Topic: Albums that loop back into themselves
Obvious references such as Pink Floyd's The Wall.
Then someone says,
Radiohead - OK Computer ("Hey man, slow down..." as in the car is driving way too fast, then when you start the CD over again, the narrator gets into an accident and miraculously survives: "I'm amazed that I survived. An airbag saved my life.")
Sorry for the lack of posts. I've been sick for weeks. Many more mixes coming soon. Including ones I have had done since December.
Posted by Fran at 2:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
December 30, 2004
FRAN'S TOP 13 OF 2004
- WITHOUT FURTHER ADO:
13: ADA Blondie
When the big boys (M.Mayer, Superpitcher) can't seem to do it, let a girl show them how its done. It joins Alcacholfa and Leave Luck To Heaven in showing that dance artists can make damn fine full length albums.
12: SPRING HEEL JACK The Sweetness of Water
Who would have ever thought that 2 drum n' bass musicians would pick up instruments and make free improvisation jazz with some of the best in the business. Their Thirsty Ear Blue Series continues to impress.
11: TOWER RECORDINGS Galaxies Incredibly Sensual Transmission Field
The original new-school-free-folkers (yeah, I know) are back and showing the kids how it is done. Sunburned Hand of the Man, take note.
10: THE NEW YEAR The End Is Near
This gem is the subtlest rock album I have heard this year. So subtle that, unfortunately, it got severely overlooked. The sadness and disappointment that permeates within this album was a joy to listen to this year. With songs about death as a metaphor for the end of love, life and innocence, it was the soundtrack to my year. Also worth mentioning is the creative guitar work. With a lot of guitar interplay weaving through the songs, subtlety is definitely the keyword. Songs even have the chorus done just once! Listen to this beauty 3 times in a row and you will understand its majesty. At just 30 minutes, it is best as the sum of its parts. It feels like it is one song. The guitar solo at the end is almost a fifth of the length of the whole album. I can't remember the last time I heard such a fucking romantic solo. Just beautiful.
09: DEVENDRA BANHART Rejoicing In The Hands
The boy genius' second album this year is also his strongest to date. Devendra almost makes me wish I was a hippy again. Almost.
08: AZITA Life On The Fly
Oh man, am I in love. Unfortunately, she is better known for being John McIntire's girlfriend than for making superb, complex and daftly sinister jazzy piano ballads --not to mention for being an incredible pianist in her own right. With help of Chicago's finest, this record is a treat for those who are smart enough to pick it up.
06: WILLIAM BASINSKI The Disintegration Loops (Disc 1)
A collection of ambient tape loops Basinski made 20 years ago rediscovered. Only time has begun to destroy the tapes and we get to hear it happen. The results are as sublime and genuine as the inescapable process itself.
05: RADIAN Juxtaposition
To me, Radian are one of the leaders in the European new school of heavily studio processed electronic/improv/postrock. As opposed to the Nordic non-studio processed electronic/improv/postrock music of bands such as the awe-inspiring Supersilent The drummer, who is also in Trapist, deserves plenty of accolade for the great jazzy drumming chops that brings human warmth to the superb electronic sound scapes around him. This was made with help from Chicago's master producer/Azita boyfriend, John McIntire.
04: MICE PARADE Obrigado Saudade
Another example of new school postrock is the one man arranger. Mice Parade, along with the like minded Polmo Polpo, are true visionaries that create music so wonderfully modern because they absorb everything and thensome. This particular album is very Brazilian influenced (duh) and includes a cover of a remix of one of his old songs by Jim O'Rourke. Dazzling.
03: ALBERT AYLER Holy Ghost Box Set (Disc 6: Coltrane's Funeral)
A long time coming, this is quite possibly the most amazing box set ever made. What makes it even more special is that it is for one of the most deserving musicians imaginable. I can't even begin to describe the quality of whats inside this homage to the greatest saxophonist to ever grace this world and the one beyond. My favorite disc is the private recording of Albert Ayler and his rag tag band performing at private ceremony for John Coltrane's funeral. The master weeps for his best student. Proof once again that free jazz lovers are the fairest in all the land.
02: LIARS They Were Wrong, So We Drowned
Alright, best moment working at a record store this year: (bosses, please don't read) Turning the volume all the way UP and blasting They Were Wrong. (Which was banned from store play during the day, might I add) By the time track 7 hit its stride, I was screaming and banging on the register and on whatever I could find while jumping up and down and chanting like a maniac. I know my friend Steve was watching from a safe distance far off in a corner with a smile on his face. Needless to say, not a single customer remained. What does this band do when they get pegged the future kings of the upcoming dance punk TM craze? They say 'fuck off, dance punk is for cunts.' and listen to a shitload of Throbbing Gristle and release the best concept album of the year. Its about witches, man. Rolling Stone gave this a 0. Fuck yeah, its that good.
01: BATTLES 3 EPsEl Espiritu De Don Caballero.The phoenix rises from its ashes and all is good across the land.The future is here now.HOLY SHIT X 3.
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OTHER NOTABLES:
- White Magic: Through The Sun Door
- Joanna Newsom: Milk-Eyed Mender
- Franz Ferdinand: Franz Ferdinand
- Fennesz: Venice
- Philip Jeck: 7
- Deathprod: Morals & Dogma & Box Set
- McLusky: The Difference Between You and Me Is That I Am Not On Fire (R.I.P. you sassy fucks.)
- Pan Sonic: Kesto
- Air: Talkie Walkie
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QUICK NOTES:
- Once again, LCD Soundsystem has the single of the year. Yeah.
- I loved Madlib and MF Doom's work so much in 2003 that I still haven't given Madvillainy a proper listen. (Al was right, its all about King Geedorah.) I also have yet to listen to the proper Smile release. (Man, Brian Wilson releases Smile and Jandek makes a live appearance in the same year -- is this a sign of the apocalypse???)
- I couldn't get into the Pitchfork Hype TM of the Junior Boys and Arcade Fire. It is also noteworthy to add that I completely gave up on Pitchfork this year. Still no love for the Streets or that shitty as fuck, M83.
Posted by Fran at 11:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
October 13, 2004
ONE IN TWO - TWO IN ONE
I swear i'll hold back on the free jazz for a while...
So I have whittled down my out-of-print holy grail album list once again last week. (this list once included: Dead C's Harsh 70s Reality; Disco Inferno's D.I. Go Pop [recently reissued -- go buy it immediately]; Bark Psychosis' Hex; the Basic Channel 12"s; and still includes Terry Riley's You're No Good; This Heat's Deceit; Slowdive's Pygmalion; ect.) I received my copy of Max Roach/Anthony Braxton's: One in Two - Two in One which was recently reissued on Hathut Records with a pressing of only 3000 --so kindly do yourself a favor and order it immediately if you dig any of this kind of stuff. By that I mean Free Jazz. I am still looking for an original LP or CD though. I have filthy, filthy habits. This is a relatively unknown --yet monumental jazz release and I want to tell you a little about it.
To me, One in Two - Two in One in one of the great moments of the free improvisation, avant-guard movement. (free jazz is you will) This legendary set was recorded from the famous Willisau Concerts of 1979. (I am still looking for the 4cd Anthony Braxton Willisau Set) The Anthony Braxton Quartet and Max Roach and Archie Shepp had played sets the night before this session. Having worked before in the genre announcing Conference of Birds and as a duo in sax/drummer format defining Birth and Rebirth, Max and Anthony played a 70 minute set that is still the unsurpassed touchstone of this type of music. This set defines free improvisation --the spirit, the ideas, the techniques, and the sounds. Still to this day, every idea in today's modern avant guard/free improvisation can be heard on this album. As much as I love and respect what is going on today, (I am currently working on a piece on the Boston/Providence avant guard scene so take my upcoming remarks lightly) it has all been done before -- by Max and Anthony. Everything from the intensity driven chaos of groups like Lightning Bolt to the stoner waddling of the free folk scene (No Neck Blues Band, Sunburned Hand of the Man, ect.) and finally to the instrumental alchemy found in bands/musicians such as such as AMM & Fennesz. Max can do more with his left foot than Brian Chippendale will ever dream of doing. I grimace every time I listen to Birth and Rebirth. It is extraordinary how good Max is. His foot pedaling is unnatural. There is no bravado necessary like in today's testosterone driven freak outs. Grace can kick your ass when you realize that it has had you in its grip the whole time.
Max Roach is arguably the greatest drummer that has ever lived and inarguably the most versatile and most accomplished drummer that has ever lived. As much as he came to define the free improvisation drummer with the works mentioned, it was only an experimental period in his long career. He was just as much of a figurehead of Bebop a decade earlier in his career with his work with Clifford Brown and Charlie Parker as he was during his progression which lead him through harder formats and had him work with practically every important name in modern jazz: Davis; Mingus; Evans; Gillespy; Powell; Dolphy; ECT... Even later he was with radical progressive drumming groups such as M'Boom. I can only name few drummers I adore that are in his league as the greats --Tony Allen and Ginger Baker quickly come to mind but then they were completely different types --they were polyrythmic drummers. I am well aware of Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, et al. but you really have to still be able to relate in todays modern world. Then of course you are talking to a Miles Davis kid, (even 1970-early 1980s despite the JAZZHAMMER. logo) not a Brubeck kid. I can only think of Hamid Drake and Han Bennick as the true keepers of the torch nowadays. Their work with Peter Brotzmann is, once again, reminiscent of Roach and Braxton. They are of course, the European counterparts of this very American scene. And if you dig the spirit please check out Boston area locals Paul Flaherty and the young Chris Corsano. Contextually, It'll bring a tear to yer eye.
Anthony Braxton is also another one of those "arguable" jazz mastheads. He defined the modern state of avant guard jazz. He took the work of John Coltrane and was able to push it forward instead of reveling in it. Coltrane's work in Interstellar Space and Ascension, are wonderful examples of the avant guard he pioneered. But there is a lot of organization in this music. The improvisation is cued and the structure has been set up since the beginning. Don't get me wrong, these albums are utterly fantastic and of essential listening to anyone really interested in music but what folks like Anthony Braxton did was takes the tightest and loosest aspects of jazz and created a beast that encompasses all musicality. A benefit of this is that this man is a master of his instrument so he creates an orchestrated cacophony. No matter how much they let go, they are using well rooted impulses to improvise. It comes out as emotion because it is emotion. It has soul. To me, it is bliss. This is why later on with the works of AACM and worldly inspired improvisors, there will be a spiritual motif infused in the music. Though Braxton will not participate in this, (actually quite the opposite since there will be several albums of "standards" that will be released) he has given free