tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56249868535867503172024-03-06T00:20:55.694-06:00Astral HeadspaceA vast monument to the obscure and glorious, to the dead and awakened...<br>A soundtrack for the 23rd dimension... a post-genre codex of grave import.Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.comBlogger664125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-7249316040153980422015-02-04T21:00:00.000-06:002015-02-04T21:00:57.168-06:00Tops List of 2014Better late than never... I guess. Not a very adventurous year for me at all - so we have a lot of returning favorites, local folks, and so on. Wouldn't call it a bad list by any means, but plenty of stuff I just never scooped up last year.<br />
<br />
Let's get on with it!
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<br />
<b>#1</b> <i>This World</i> - Watter<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_YB8IsyFRsk9kKjzyKVlcYzDatMMB-xeiDmaU3cbzm7kR6k2f6sbBgPDoglDRm-ERotMgERbLi6EKbQHnYbT9tiJDuMi9nZYfKNFNIms1ioCdu27kCOPrPfimJJIqQW2BiGf9muDBE4/s1600/Watter+This+World.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_YB8IsyFRsk9kKjzyKVlcYzDatMMB-xeiDmaU3cbzm7kR6k2f6sbBgPDoglDRm-ERotMgERbLi6EKbQHnYbT9tiJDuMi9nZYfKNFNIms1ioCdu27kCOPrPfimJJIqQW2BiGf9muDBE4/s380/Watter+This+World.jpg" /></a><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkvNjLSfmZ4" target=_blank>Rustic Fog</a>" from <i>This World</i> (2014)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luLlIhIRAGU" target=_blank>Small Business</a>" from <i>This World</i> (2014)<br />
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Full-Album Stream - <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0oTCfNe7DeuFBJdQFkitHu" target=_blank>Spotify</a><br />
Genre - Post-Rock<br />
Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wattersongs" target=_blank>facebook.com/wattersongs</a><br />
Location - Louisville, KY<br />
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Review - <a href="http://www.treblezine.com/reviews/watter-this-world/" target=_blank>Treble Zine</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/This-World-Watter/dp/B00JC8EC1E" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/this-world/id848494332" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://shop.temporaryresidence.com/trr233" target=_blank>Temporary Residence Ltd.</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/This-World-Watter/dp/B00JLY6S7A" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
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This one just kind of lands in my wheelhouse (obviously). A few people from some stuff I like - Britt Walford, drummer of The Breeders (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/12/top-10-releases-of-1990.html" target=_blank>#6, 1990</a>) and Slint (#???, 1991), and Zak Riles, guitarist from Grails (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/02/deep-politics-grails-1-2011.html" target=_blank>#1, 2011</a>). And unsurprisingly, it sounds like post-rock instrumental jams with aspects of each. Sometimes lambent and mellow, sometimes arched up more. Nice diversity, some special guest stars... Hopefully, I'll write a full post about it - but for now, here's another good tune: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2Z7XyMT0Ok" target=_blank>Seawater</a>."
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<b>#2</b> <i>Commune</i> - Goat<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEial5LE-F6DdG-4YX6B-KcFvBuZ-UFWBXcroPLWenGqiwPHZMSjbTdAd1PlQaw2RodQg1dUkxtPXE0d7qUzqFzh_gW3EuP97pULGwnC4i_TSb0dHmL8mlP7wW4Yv0deL5PedMKKbUSV5WY/s1600/Goat+Commune.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEial5LE-F6DdG-4YX6B-KcFvBuZ-UFWBXcroPLWenGqiwPHZMSjbTdAd1PlQaw2RodQg1dUkxtPXE0d7qUzqFzh_gW3EuP97pULGwnC4i_TSb0dHmL8mlP7wW4Yv0deL5PedMKKbUSV5WY/s380/Goat+Commune.jpg" /></a><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnu_O5P8P5I" target=_blank>Hide from the Sun</a>" from <i>Commune</i> (2014)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkj65G3T7CM" target=_blank>Words</a>" from <i>Commune</i> (2014)<br />
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Genre - Psych-Rock<br />
Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/goatsweden" target=_blank>facebook.com/goatsweden</a><br />
Location - Korpilombolo, Sweden<br />
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Full-Album Stream - <a href="http://rocketrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/commune" target=_blank>Rocket Recordings Bandcamp</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7uQp0QiuQzOblVPfNQhczi" target=_blank>Spotify</a><br />
Review - <a href="http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2014/09/goat-commune-review.html" target=_blank>Paste Magazine</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Commune-digital-booklet-Goat/dp/B00L9QYI8Y/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/commune/id889458536" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://megamart.subpop.com/releases/goat/commune" target=_blank>Sub Pop</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Commune-Goat/dp/B00MPJQ3OG/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
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Goat's debut was my <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/01/world-music-goat-1-2012.html" target=_blank>#1 of 2012</a>, but I didn't cotton to this one immediately. Although not completely gone, there's a bit less of the Afro-funk here. More regular psych, which is great too! Still very rhythmic & rockin', and once I'd adjusted my expectations, a really solid album. Hopefully they'll make it back to the states to play live. They were awesome at the 2013 Austin Psych Fest (I still need to make my live list for then).
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<b>#3</b> <i>Gone</i> - Pong<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4a6hvQdDiUXLU1_jGYJQGUrjyzuLUnjYg2CjKII6yJp0r58d_OCuVdK9E4v6F9jV2KxS4_Ffg019qLdgd_7gF12IheibB0THQ8s7P7mfv8QR2SmVkiS6pgVZyMNCqIkrmGrIvZLrCQk/s1600/Pong+Gone.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4a6hvQdDiUXLU1_jGYJQGUrjyzuLUnjYg2CjKII6yJp0r58d_OCuVdK9E4v6F9jV2KxS4_Ffg019qLdgd_7gF12IheibB0THQ8s7P7mfv8QR2SmVkiS6pgVZyMNCqIkrmGrIvZLrCQk/s380/Pong+Gone.jpg" /></a><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr-NfLOBIp8" target=_blank>Livin in the Future</a>" from <i>Gone</i> (2014)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0P36oMuJsU" target=_blank>Fish Sauce</a>" from <i>Gone</i> (2014)<br />
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Genre - Electro-Rock<br />
Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pong/470512675233" target=_blank>facebook.com/pages/Pong/470512675233</a><br />
Location - Austin, TX<br />
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Full-Album Stream - <a href="http://soundcloud.com/pong709/gone" target=_blank>Pong SoundCloud</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2SE1Mhbmab4mkCWU232Qu9" target=_blank>Spotify</a><br />
Review - <a href="http://www.austinchronicle.com/music/2014-08-08/crazy-from-the-heat-pong/" target=_blank><i>Austin Chronicle</i></a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gone-Pong/dp/B00LC3AEEG/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/gone/id893808387" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.saustex.com/PONG.html" target=_blank>Saustex Records</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gone-Pong/dp/B00LBNP14K" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
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One of my known fav-o-rites (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2011/01/escobarb-pong-3-2010.html" target=_blank>#3, 2010</a>), I am a partisan for Pong. It's a testament to how much I dig most of this one, because I'm not really down with the one single (??) they made <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79ISaWvsSM4" target=_blank>an official video</a> for. O well...<br />
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Read <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2014/07/review-gone-pong-2014.html" target=_blank>my actual review</a> (literally the previous post).
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<b>#4</b> <i>Woodsman</i> - Woodsman<br />
<i>Teleseparation</i> EP - Woodsman<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmO5lVlMJn513PVjUDffuVoZf8EUfFl41RfPZ-TKHH_AKsllAryGmODtcLU7UkhBmdVaRIxKMMKLFIsewwLeG5Vs8SdwMZi_8Mgb1dqf-x5wUa4gG2enlwfzdtbYsgJjOC4YWZ5aoLsJ8/s1600/Woodsman.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmO5lVlMJn513PVjUDffuVoZf8EUfFl41RfPZ-TKHH_AKsllAryGmODtcLU7UkhBmdVaRIxKMMKLFIsewwLeG5Vs8SdwMZi_8Mgb1dqf-x5wUa4gG2enlwfzdtbYsgJjOC4YWZ5aoLsJ8/s380/Woodsman.jpg" /></a><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Tu-74AXbRk" target=_blank>Teleseparation</a>" from <i>Woodsman</i> (2014)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjpL9rreMos" target=_blank>Healthy Life</a>" from <i>Woodsman</i> (2014)<br />
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Genre - Psych-Jam<br />
Official - <a href="http://woodsmanman.tumblr.com/" target=_blank>woodsmanman.tumblr.com/</a><br />
Location - Brooklyn, NYC<br />
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Stream/Download/Purchase - <a href="http://woodsmanman.bandcamp.com/album/woodsman" target=_blank><i>Woodsman</i></a>, <a href="http://woodsmanman.bandcamp.com/album/teleseparation-ep" target=_blank><i>Teleseparation</i></a><br />
Review - <a href="http://www.tinymixtapes.com/music-review/woodsman-woodsman" target=_blank>TinyMixTapes</a><br />
Full Album Stream - <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6OyVIdIjtVh9UV6jYGcdS4" target=_blank>Spotify</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Woodsman/dp/B00IAC04BK/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/woodsman/id355672938" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://firetalkrecs.com/shop/woodsmanwoodsmanlp" target=_blank>Fire Talk Records</a><br />
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Jammy jams, but with one less drummer than before (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/03/mystic-places-ep-and-rare-forms.html" target=_blank>#2, 2011</a>). Formerly from Denver, but now sharing Brooklyn with almost half of America's bands. Psychedelic, instrumental, tribal, jamming?<br />
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I mean, the companion EP is described as "A long form stream of consciousness broken into 4 parts which the last track on that album was excerpted from. A glimpse into the recording process for the true zoners out there in this big world." True zoners.
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<b>#5</b> <i>The Hum</i> - Hookworms<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEu4tK9nKI0KYo_1BcRNK_HJjXxaxpTy0ehAtiwQu5NTY-1H1VZX99GxN9xedvGZdjc8Qn9yfwmxd61G9SHkW0TYC47lNYyoh-oN934lt17m269Ty7oF9Uc1P9KS6TZrjD06i-Ub7ZT8A/s1600/Hookworms+The+Hum.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEu4tK9nKI0KYo_1BcRNK_HJjXxaxpTy0ehAtiwQu5NTY-1H1VZX99GxN9xedvGZdjc8Qn9yfwmxd61G9SHkW0TYC47lNYyoh-oN934lt17m269Ty7oF9Uc1P9KS6TZrjD06i-Ub7ZT8A/s380/Hookworms+The+Hum.jpg" /></a><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM99mTEHdZY" target=_blank>On Leaving</a>" from <i>The Hum</i> (2014)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuFcsPPUzPg" target=_blank>Beginners</a>" from <i>The Hum</i> (2014)<br />
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Genre - Post-Punk<br />
Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Hookworms" target=_blank>facebook.com/Hookworms</a><br />
Location - Leeds, England<br />
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Full-Album Stream - <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/090C62jYMvZP3Q5L9DuvJk" target=_blank>Spotify</a><br />
Review - <a href="http://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/hookworms-the-hum" target=_blank>The Line of Best Fit</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hum-Hookworms/dp/B00NFAZQEC/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-hum/id907226926" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://weirdworldus.dominorecordco.com/wwus/albums/27-08-14/the-hum/" target=_blank>Domino Records</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Hum-Hookworms/dp/B00MI8I2NE" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
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Quite a bit of growth since last year (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-tentative-top-twenty-of-2013.html" target=_blank>#4, 2013</a>) - although still keeping it real, although there might be a ballad somewhere in there. Last year, I used the term "spikey" - still spikey!
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<b>#6</b> "C is for Cthulhu" single - Linus Pauling Quartet<br />
<i>The Rendered Life</i> - Charlie Naked<br />
<i>Running Up That Hill: Kate Bush Covers for Reproductive Rights</i> benefit compilation<br />
<i>Knights In Satan's Service</i> compilation<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8gOKbOoD1k2i4XtC4jMGdHVVnp93Ug-1TQ_jDD6vZ4DLXULOuT7vGTTgOZ8AZKQc58WrFuaBIdwadL3CBNyShy2zyU_XJ0okskzbGbEun25oZvPdi3Gb6y3Hzz87iUIvGUUJxiP6y6U/s1600/Charlie+Naked+The+Rendered+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8gOKbOoD1k2i4XtC4jMGdHVVnp93Ug-1TQ_jDD6vZ4DLXULOuT7vGTTgOZ8AZKQc58WrFuaBIdwadL3CBNyShy2zyU_XJ0okskzbGbEun25oZvPdi3Gb6y3Hzz87iUIvGUUJxiP6y6U/s380/Charlie+Naked+The+Rendered+Life.jpg" /></a><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEWIpHf85IY" target=_blank>C is for Cthulhu</a>" from the single (2014)<br />
<i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2BbCbm22Ms" target=_blank>Knights In Satan's Service</a></i> commercial (2014)<br />
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Genre - Heavy-Rock<br />
WordPress - <a href="http://www.worshipguitars.org/LP4/LP4_WordPress/" target=_blank>worshipguitars.org/LP4/LP4_WordPress/</a><br />
Location - Houston, TX<br />
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Stream/Download/Purchase - "<a href="http://thelinuspaulingquartet.bandcamp.com/album/c-is-for-cthulhu" target=_blank>C is for Cthulhu</a>," <a href="http://charlienaked.bandcamp.com/album/the-rendered-life" target=_blank><i>The Rendered Life</i></a>, <a href="http://runningupthathill.bandcamp.com/album/running-up-that-hill-kate-bush-covers-for-reproductive-rights" target=_blank><i>R.U.T.H.</i> comp</a>, <a href="http://artinstitute.bandcamp.com/album/knights-in-satans-service" target=_blank><i>K.I.S.S.</i> comp</a><br />
Full 7" Stream - <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/4lyp6ZvG1jV3ZHmPwVOsXs" target=_blank>Spotify</a><br />
Review - <a href="http://theobelisk.net/obelisk/2014/11/24/the-linus-pauling-quartet-c-is-for-cthulhu-7-review/" target=_blank>The Obelisk</a><br />
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All related to local heroes, The Linus Pauling Quartet(<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/02/bag-of-hammers-linus-pauling-quartet-2.html" target=_blank>#2, 2012</a>). And hey, yeah, I dig the "Cthulhu" single (with Pain Teens cover b-side), and video - it's all great! But for whatever reason, I really listened to the ambient Charlie Naked album a bunch more. Check it out.<br />
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Then there were the cover compilation covers. First <a href="http://runningupthathill.bandcamp.com/track/watching-you-without-me" target=_blank>Linus played</a> "Watching You Without Me" <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPZUo_hps9w" target=_blank>by Kate Bush</a>. Then later, <a href="http://artinstitute.bandcamp.com/track/she" target=_blank>LP4 covered</a> "She" <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtPRKT9ck7s" target=_blank>from KISS</a>. Check both of those out - pretty nice...
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<b>#7</b> <i>Dude Incredible</i> - Shellac<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhqMYm2HuZCPdIKzWaPYWteZ-YN-ORD_N-h8kgeKW0Efl9ozd0R8igr5rvSLIKyKnfdgt9ex1M7-fXz2DhVfGCpC8weAXvRal9YIRM0RsfWCBzD5ub0HV7aWQfkdStp9gfW1CUm_5ilw/s1600/Shellac+Dude+Incredible.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhqMYm2HuZCPdIKzWaPYWteZ-YN-ORD_N-h8kgeKW0Efl9ozd0R8igr5rvSLIKyKnfdgt9ex1M7-fXz2DhVfGCpC8weAXvRal9YIRM0RsfWCBzD5ub0HV7aWQfkdStp9gfW1CUm_5ilw/s380/Shellac+Dude+Incredible.jpg" /></a><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyD08Wop5aU" target=_blank>The People's Microphone</a>" from <i>Dude Incredible</i> (2014)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq2fOKFpLyE" target=_blank>Surveyor</a>" from <i>Dude Incredible</i> (2014)<br />
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Genre - Noise-Rock<br />
Related - <a href="http://www.electricalaudio.com/" target=_blank>Electrical Audio</a><br />
Location - Chicago, IL<br />
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Full-Album Stream - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh-SBGIx-2I" target=_blank>YouTube</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/08Gcxmsf2nG2RNadFFxnQx" target=_blank>Spotify</a><br />
Review - <a href="http://thequietus.com/articles/16269-shellac-dude-incredible-review" target=_blank>The Quietus</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dude-Incredible-Explicit-digital-booklet/dp/B00N82DLOE/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dude-incredible/id913064244" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://store.touchandgorecords.com/products/shellac-dude-incredible" target=_blank>Tough & Go Records</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dude-Incredible-Shellac/dp/B00LPRI7QQ/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
<br />
Shellac (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-10-records-of-1993.html" target=_blank>#3, 1993</a>) is made up of Todd Trainer, Bob Weston, and Steve Albini (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/07/top-10-music-of-1987.html" target=_blank>#4, 1987</a> and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/11/top-10-albums-of-1988.html" target=_blank>#6, 1988</a>). I actually forgot that this was released for most of the year, then finally got it down the stretch. Not sure what I was expecting, but yep! That's a Shellac record. Unsure what trajectory this ranking will take with more exposure, but it's old-school like from my youth.
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<b>#8</b> <i>Ganymede</i> - Jonas Reinhardt<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lsBiy85g8bjIMSXFm1hSSadJOL4BBQrIihQ-l7qDpzZ1fPjCPOMCPhPK9iOJWzKf9Kk3Dnck3sCFj1FjuBWr2p2n9iENh3mVVPrU0IUq-pLGOBY5ScidLiOR5bJm9hn2pe2SiFnmieY/s1600/Jonas+Reinhardt+Ganymede.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lsBiy85g8bjIMSXFm1hSSadJOL4BBQrIihQ-l7qDpzZ1fPjCPOMCPhPK9iOJWzKf9Kk3Dnck3sCFj1FjuBWr2p2n9iENh3mVVPrU0IUq-pLGOBY5ScidLiOR5bJm9hn2pe2SiFnmieY/s380/Jonas+Reinhardt+Ganymede.jpg" /></a><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IytnKKvUY4" target=_blank>Skeptical Seventh Sun</a>" from <i>Ganymede</i> (2014)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3spR5xICaV0" target=_blank>Lox Moon</a>" from <i>Ganymede</i> (2014)<br />
<br />
Genre - Space-Synth<br />
Official - <a href="http://jonasreinhardt.com/" target=_blank>jonasreinhardt.com/</a><br />
Location - San Francisco, CA<br />
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Full-Album/Video Stream - <a href="http://vimeo.com/84014349" target=_blank>Vimeo</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6id3LtKK1zsyliyZ5WD2ER" target=_blank>Spotify</a><br />
Review - <a href="http://www.wasistdas.co.uk/ganymede.htm" target=_blank>Was Ist Das?</a><br />
Download/Purchase - <a href="http://ctatsu.bandcamp.com/album/ganymede" target=_blank>Constellation Tatsu</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ganymede-Jonas-Reinhardt/dp/B00GO2MFBK/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
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Whew... I was actually getting kind of concerned that Jonas Reinhardt (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/12/music-for-tactile-dome-prime-revealer.html" target=_blank>#9, 2011</a>) was heading irretrievably into rhythm music. But this is comfortably back into space, and it came with a bonus DVD of experimental films set to the music. Or maybe scored by Jonas? Looks like the ltd. ed. (300) LP with download + DVD is still available. But after this Top 10 post, <i><b>not for long</b>!!</i>
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<b>#9</b> <i>Lost in the Dream</i> - The War On Drugs<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxZmQPIPqXDtgBxtX6yc7cYB3G5xyLZpsGsx5IFCmXpM_BBgUb9XbT4oDaDiHe0yFHIG360vU_Du6mxvkI3idEimISAKg_a4pc8x6clq2gYFenUamXOg74cy6n7zHQrlc2T2YcMIiPME/s1600/TWOD+LITD.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxZmQPIPqXDtgBxtX6yc7cYB3G5xyLZpsGsx5IFCmXpM_BBgUb9XbT4oDaDiHe0yFHIG360vU_Du6mxvkI3idEimISAKg_a4pc8x6clq2gYFenUamXOg74cy6n7zHQrlc2T2YcMIiPME/s380/TWOD+LITD.jpg" /></a><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LmX5c7HoUw" target=_blank>Red Eyes</a>" from <i>Lost in the Dream</i> (2014)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkLOg252KRE" target=_blank>Under the Pressure</a>" from <i>Lost in the Dream</i> (2014)<br />
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Genre - Alt-Rock<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.thewarondrugs.net/" target=_blank>thewarondrugs.net/</a><br />
Location - Philadelphia, PA<br />
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Full-Album Stream - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFelXRjwoKA" target=_blank>YouTube</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/14xxjLlbGy8ACm4MorBjD5" target=_blank>Spotify</a><br />
Review - <a href="http://consequenceofsound.net/2014/03/album-review-the-war-on-drugs-lost-in-the-dream/" target=_blank>Consequence of Sound</a><br />
Download/Purchase - <a href="http://www.scdistribution.com/release.html?catalog=SC310" target=_blank>Secretly Canadian</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lost-The-Dream-War-Drugs/dp/B00H2A2T2S/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lost-in-the-dream/id765568650" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
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Finally a new album from the Traveling Wilburys (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/11/top-10-albums-of-1988.html" target=_blank>#9, 1988</a>)!! What, Dire Straits?<br />
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Ahhh, this is The War on Drugs. I'm not trying to be insulting - this is a good album. But it's as retro as any '80s club night synth-pop, or whatever Kraut-flogging hippies you care to name. And kinda with a little bit of both, but mostly quality MOR from the late-'70s through mid-'80s. The "Post-Eagles" for an Alternative nation?
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<b>#10</b> <i>FREEMAN</i> - FREEMAN<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfFi7Z6ZfxKQnyI1eprac_rIQ-4X8PeX58VMkOFd3F6Ljcc5RQ6pHxhIj2qQPF6hX6UZC9u6uRHaJlAI0oHea6AvpJf5moqnVg3LeMknFF7aMEbkiXq2fkzzobUf_YmK03xyfYFtag20/s1600/FREEMAN.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfFi7Z6ZfxKQnyI1eprac_rIQ-4X8PeX58VMkOFd3F6Ljcc5RQ6pHxhIj2qQPF6hX6UZC9u6uRHaJlAI0oHea6AvpJf5moqnVg3LeMknFF7aMEbkiXq2fkzzobUf_YmK03xyfYFtag20/s380/FREEMAN.jpg" /></a><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvXxAGPOB4I" target=_blank>Covert Discretion</a>" from <i>FREEMAN</i> (2014)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmrSeOY2MlE" target=_blank>I Couldn't Play My Guitar Like A Man</a>" from <i>FREEMAN</i> (2014)<br />
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Genre - Post-Boognish<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.freemantheband.com/" target=_blank>freemantheband.com/</a><br />
Location - Brooklyn, NYC<br />
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Full-Album Stream - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5r9OAF3QLo" target=_blank>YouTube</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0NLzDQ8PiItNtUE2XQj33S" target=_blank>Spotify</a><br />
Review - <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/pop-notes-freeman" target=_blank><i>The New Yorker</i></a><br />
Download / Purchase - <a href="http://shop.partisanrecords.com/products/freeman" target=_blank>Partisan Records</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/FREEMAN-Freeman/dp/B00KINIP2E/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/freeman/id880501877" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
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It's a new band from Gener of Ween (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/08/top-10-records-of-2003.html" target=_blank>#3, 2003</a>, etc.). I'd regularly forget this one, then regularly be surprised how much I liked it whenever I listened, then I'd forget it again for awhile. If that continues for another 5-10 years, that would be pretty amazing.<br />
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I have no idea what's next. Maybe some more record mini-lists? Top 10 Live Shows of 2013 and 2014? Probably something along those line. YEAH!!
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Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-86750282544314383052014-07-26T19:18:00.000-05:002014-07-26T19:18:50.982-05:00Review: Gone - Pong (2014)Wow. First post of the new year, and I believe my first review ever! I thought I'd have to really dig down & describe a bunch of tunes, but looks like SoundCloud's gonna bail me out.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4a6hvQdDiUXLU1_jGYJQGUrjyzuLUnjYg2CjKII6yJp0r58d_OCuVdK9E4v6F9jV2KxS4_Ffg019qLdgd_7gF12IheibB0THQ8s7P7mfv8QR2SmVkiS6pgVZyMNCqIkrmGrIvZLrCQk/s1600/Pong+Gone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4a6hvQdDiUXLU1_jGYJQGUrjyzuLUnjYg2CjKII6yJp0r58d_OCuVdK9E4v6F9jV2KxS4_Ffg019qLdgd_7gF12IheibB0THQ8s7P7mfv8QR2SmVkiS6pgVZyMNCqIkrmGrIvZLrCQk/s380/Pong+Gone.jpg" /></a></div>
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Just recently got to catch one of my main favorites, Pong (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2011/01/escobarb-pong-3-2010.html" target=_blank>#3 of 2010</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-10-new-releases-of-2005.html" target=_blank>#1 of 2005</a>) here in Houston again, for the first time since those <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2011/01/top-10-live-shows-of-2010.html" target=_blank>#1 Live Shows of 2010</a>. The occasion was releasing an all-new studio album, <i><a href="http://soundcloud.com/pong709/gone" target=_blank>Gone</a></i>, on Saustex Media. Buy the LP or CD <a href="http://www.saustex.com/PONG.html" target=_blank>from them here</a>, get the CD or MP3 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gone-Pong/dp/B00LBNP14K" target=_blank>from Amazon</a>, or AAC format <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/gone/id893808387" target=_blank>on iTunes</a>.
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<object width="380" height="214"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/JGnvK6h2snw?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/JGnvK6h2snw?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="214" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"Still Here" [live 2012], from <i>Gone</i> (2014)<br />
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That opening track started cropping up on live YouTubes awhile back, at least 2012 as shown there. "Still Here" kicks up a ruckus & kicks off some kind of general overall theme: being here or there, wanting to be elsewhere, going or being gone, a longing nostalgia / time travel... perhaps even survival. "They may be gone, but we are all still here." Experience <a href="http://soundcloud.com/pong709/still-here" target=_blank>the studio version</a> via Pong SoundCloud.
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<iframe width="100%" height="200" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/147421554&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true"></iframe><br />
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My personal pick to click, "Livin in the Future" does best that relatively laid-back Pong mid-tempo stroke. Fits in a lot without goin' totally nuts (see next), catchy as hell from the beats on up. Various nice guitar parts that build to a funky blowout. That's a really well-constructed pop song there!
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<iframe width="100%" height="200" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/147421181&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true"></iframe><br />
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Uncork the nuttiness now. This one goes back at least to that 2010 Cactus in-store, when they were releasing the previous album. "Fish Sauce" is brewed from like The B-52's, Devo... I dunno, Mr. Bungle or maybe Fishbone (dat skankin' bass). Also, <i>Gilligan's Island</i>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6rHeD5x2tI" target=_blank>Tootsie Pops</a>, maybe Nilsson even? So much guitar texture: crinkly rippling, ersatz island slack-key, Morse Code. And the theme reappears.
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<object width="380" height="214"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/79ISaWvsSM4?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/79ISaWvsSM4?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="214" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"Electronic Friend" from <i>Gone</i> (2014)<br />
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I'm gonna back up a bit to the 2nd track. As explained over at <a href="http://blurtonline.com/news/video-premiere-austins-pong-celebrates-electronic-friend/" target=_blank>Blurt Online</a>, it's about a free iPad. And there's an official video.<br />
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Okay, cool.
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<iframe width="100%" height="200" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/147419928&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true"></iframe><br />
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I don't think Pong has ever done anything like "Sleepwalker" before - so normal-ish, like in a sincere Ween mode. A sleepy longing vibe, until... the wake-up? So Shane basically likes to get hit everywhere but the face? Ow! "Being dumb could be a virtue. <i>OH NO!</i>"
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<iframe width="100%" height="200" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/147418408&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true"></iframe><br />
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Whoa, new girl Kerri Atwood (only 5 years!) gets a full-fledged lead vocal - very nice. Like the song, like the driving momentum, <b><i>love</i></b> the breakdown. Frame it! Bury it! Walk twenty paces away!<br />
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"Lyman" is the drummer of Pong.
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<iframe width="100%" height="200" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/147418046&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true"></iframe><br />
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And "The Spot" finishes up the album. Kind of smoldering for awhile, it builds & builds, moving forward, but with lots of subtly ranging accompaniment (the music part). Solid wrap-up, good record!<br />
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Given that we're talking Pong, my range of reactions was limited and predictable. But I'm really happy with this one already.<br />
<br /><a href="http://soundcloud.com/pong709/gone" target=_blank>Enjoy!!</a>
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Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-84693566869205772162013-12-27T18:14:00.000-06:002013-12-27T18:39:32.042-06:00A Tentative Top Twenty of 2013Maybe I'm just getting bad at year-end lists, but one was quite difficult. First off, ordering the releases became a Sisyphean task - leading to an expanded list of twenty. (Yay??) I am confident that #1 is a better album than #20. But as you close in on the middle ground, my foundation turns to shifting sand. The official #7 could be tomorrow's #13, and today's #11 could be next month's #3... Plus there was so much this year that I just completely didn't hear.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IcTpwSJqoFugMievacCVZIkLii5W915by8F2FTmHm0UYrGf9teu0NupEB6GV_fTwy6HYdf5_Rtyyu6SJCVhyphenhyphenYiWgwesJXEVzC9QnUf92RyTXcAUD2idxCpYL7-2DTNzJZ6nXhiGC_xA/s1600/BTP+4-5-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IcTpwSJqoFugMievacCVZIkLii5W915by8F2FTmHm0UYrGf9teu0NupEB6GV_fTwy6HYdf5_Rtyyu6SJCVhyphenhyphenYiWgwesJXEVzC9QnUf92RyTXcAUD2idxCpYL7-2DTNzJZ6nXhiGC_xA/s200/BTP+4-5-6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I'm not even talking about crazy stuff like Kanye West or Daft Punk. I never got around to new albums by recurring favorites like Blut Aus Nord (<i><a href="http://dmp666.bandcamp.com/album/what-once-was-liber-iii" target=_blank>What Once Was... Liber III</a></i>), Barn Owl (<i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e90y8EUtP0" target=_blank>V</a></i>), or The Time & Space Machine (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rnbf5fwLAEY" target=_blank><i>Magic Hour</i> EP</a>). Plus I could have maybe tried out new guys like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPpihD340yE" target=_blank>Parquet Floors</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfbLWHT7vUU" target=_blank>Deafheaven</a>... or even oldsters like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7zIfUwwoQ0" target=_blank>Broadcast</a> or <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p89AboNv8Uc" target=_blank>Guapo</a>. Who knows?<br />
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O well, here we go!
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<b>#1</b> <i>The Next Day</i> - David Bowie<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoz2_AkyZog_n4BYpwhEvOsqtFSsaDf7l2LwbJrpbnoOomAX0k0-PlJcLpETNSqG7VqGfl_6r43PqT-M9jHUM7s-FXDtlg6B6tEzOWvyjF2-KCHuUJ0m6NZzTaq6rPR_-7mrDHC2cXNIs/s1600/The+Next+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoz2_AkyZog_n4BYpwhEvOsqtFSsaDf7l2LwbJrpbnoOomAX0k0-PlJcLpETNSqG7VqGfl_6r43PqT-M9jHUM7s-FXDtlg6B6tEzOWvyjF2-KCHuUJ0m6NZzTaq6rPR_-7mrDHC2cXNIs/s380/The+Next+Day.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wL9NUZRZ4I" target=_blank>The Next Day</a>" from <i>The Next Day</i> (2013)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWtsV50_-p4" target=_blank>Where Are We Now?</a>" from <i>The Next Day</i> (2013)<br />
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Genre - Return of the Ziggy Duke Oddity<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.davidbowie.com/" target=_blank>davidbowie.com/</a><br />
Location - London, England<br />
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Full-Album Stream - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2nJHVNTHNw" target=_blank>YouTube</a><br />
Review - <a href="http://thequietus.com/articles/11500-david-bowie-the-next-day-review" target=_blank>The Quietus</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Next-Day-David-Bowie/dp/B00BMUYLSE/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-next-day/id590825692" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://store.davidbowie.com/music-1.html" target=_blank>Bowie Shop</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Next-Day-Deluxe-Edition/dp/B00AYHKIZ6/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
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Look, we all know what a mischievous elven trickster is David Bowie (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/11/top-10-releases-of-1972.html" target=_blank>#6, 1972</a> & <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/07/top-10-records-of-1974.html" target=_blank>#10, 1974</a>). So I'm fully prepared to admit later to being duped. But for such a geezer, this seems a surprisingly, shockingly good album! Whatever part some medieval tyrant might play, the opening title rocker's chorus of "Here I am, not quite dying, my body left to rot in a hollow tree" has got to reference his semi-recent death-defying and subsequent silence. I love high-quality Bowie (though not so much the average stuff), and this should fit the bill. "Listen."
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<b>#2</b> <i>Nomad</i> - Bombino<br />
"Azamane Tiliade" RSD 10" single - Bombino<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oJRSSRd9357s-tQSKBk97jIbucpLe8K0TeNIdk623o7A-ULwI4rr4PVg8mF6xTmW4GzciYwfrkFUzawbZ9sa_nVymhgIspvH6AaVgiaI0MbDLFCajkyh6W1RW9HEW9-OQroCx6cPBzw/s1600/Nomad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oJRSSRd9357s-tQSKBk97jIbucpLe8K0TeNIdk623o7A-ULwI4rr4PVg8mF6xTmW4GzciYwfrkFUzawbZ9sa_nVymhgIspvH6AaVgiaI0MbDLFCajkyh6W1RW9HEW9-OQroCx6cPBzw/s380/Nomad.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss9Znucx4GM" target=_blank>Azamane Tiliade</a>" from <i>Nomad</i> (2013)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suPCJfWdStY" target=_blank>Tamiditine</a>" [live solo] from <i>Nomad</i> (2013)<br />
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Genre - Tuareg Ishumar<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.bombinomusic.com/" target=_blank>bombinomusic.com/</a><br />
Location - Agadez, Niger<br />
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Review - <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/mar/28/bombino-nomad-review" target=_blank>The Guardian</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.nonesuch.com/albums/nomad" target=_blank>Nonesuch</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nomad-digital-booklet-Bombino/dp/B00BWGIS7I/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/nomad/id604342553" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.nonesuch.com/albums/nomad" target=_blank>Nonesuch Records</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BFS5VL4/ref=dm_rogue_cd" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
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Once acclaimed by some as "<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/03/party-of-bombino.html" target=_blank>probably the biggest surprise of</a> Austin Psych Fest" (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/01/top-10-live-shows-of-2012.html" target=_blank>#1 Live Show of 2012</a>), Bombino is for guitar lovers. Desert blues jams for a new world, North Africa in Nashville (studio of that Black Key). Laid-back good-times music in any language. Mostly new with a couple of updated versions of best earlier tunes: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgNO8OLoz2Y" target=_blank>Her Tenere</a>" and "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9tN00LIaIY" target=_blank>Imuhar</a>."
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<b>#3</b> <i>The Cult of Dom Keller</i> - The Cult of Dom Keller<br />
<i>The Seed: Relics & Rarities</i> - The Cult of Dom Keller<br />
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"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pV7DQoUrIY" target=_blank>Swamp Heron Blues</a>" from <i>The Cult of Dom Keller</i> (2013)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TWEE9KlGqE" target=_blank>We left this world behind for a place in the sun</a>" from <i>The Seed: Relics & Rarities</i> (2013)<br />
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Genre - Drone-Psych-Rock<br />
Official/Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/cultofdomkeller" target=_blank>facebook.com/cultofdomkeller</a><br />
Location - Nottingham, U.K.<br />
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Full-Album Stream - <a href="http://www.austinpsychfest.com/store/the-cult-of-dom-keller-lp-mp3/" target=_blank>Reverberation Society</a>, <a href="http://mannequinrecords.bandcamp.com/album/mnq-037-the-cult-of-dom-keller-s-t-lp" target=_blank>Mannequin Records</a><br />
Review - <a href="http://www.roadburn.com/2013/07/album-of-the-day-the-cult-of-dom-keller-st/" target=_blank>Roadburn</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.austinpsychfest.com/store/the-cult-of-dom-keller-lp-mp3/" target=_blank>Reverberation Society</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cult-Dom-Keller/dp/B00DP6JHWI/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/cult-of-dom-keller/id667991642" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.austinpsychfest.com/store/the-cult-of-dom-keller-lp-mp3/" target=_blank>US vinyl/MP3</a>, <a href="http://mannequinrecords.bandcamp.com/album/mnq-037-the-cult-of-dom-keller-s-t-lp" target=_blank>Euro vinyl/MP3</a>, <a href="http://cardinalfuzz.bigcartel.com/product/cult-of-dom-keller-st-cd-pre-order-14th-may" target=_blank>Euro CD</a>
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Another discovery from APF (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/01/best-live-music-of-2011-top-10-ish.html" target=_blank>#4 Live Show, 2011</a>), I inexcusably missed them at this year's fest. The self-titled full-length debut mostly reissues top-notch songs from previous self-released EP's, with a few swell new ones. <i>The Seed</i> compiles unheard songs and unreleased tracks from their <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/DomKeller2008/videos" target=_blank>tremendous YouTube channel</a>. A Kickstarter donation reward, I'm going to take indirect credit for the entire idea based on a vague Facebook comment to their wall. Prove me wrong! Beforehand: <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/01/top-10-studio-output-of-2012.html" target=_blank>#12, 2012</a> and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2011/12/top-11-20-albums-of-2011.html" target=_blank>#15, 2011</a>.
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<b>#4</b> <i>Pearl Mystic</i> - Hookworms<br />
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"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkEpKNPa9ig" target=_blank>Away/Towards</a>" from <i>Pearl Mystic</i> (2013)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMdVANGXYgI" target=_blank>Preservation</a>" from <i>Pearl Mystic</i> (2013)<br />
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Genre - Noise-Psych Post-Punk<br />
Official/Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Hookworms" target=_blank>facebook.com/Hookworms</a><br />
Location - Leeds, Britain<br />
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Full-Album Stream - <a href="http://gringorecords.bandcamp.com/album/pearl-mystic" target=_blank>Gringo Records</a><br />
Review - <a href="http://drownedinsound.com/releases/17499/reviews/4146108" target=_blank>Drowned in Sound</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://gringorecords.bandcamp.com/album/pearl-mystic" target=_blank>Gringo Records</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Mystic-Hookworms/dp/B00ENGNOT6/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/pearl-mystic/id677916314" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://gringorecords.bandcamp.com/album/pearl-mystic" target=_blank>Gringo Records</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Mystic-Hookworms/dp/B00DQF1X2U/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>
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Only mentioned before in passing, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2011/12/master-deck-saff.html" target=_blank>about Carl Saff</a>... This record was a shocker! Whereas CODK is dank & doomy, Hookworms are more spikey & aggro. Catchy enough at times, quite bonkers often, from a long revered line of its influences. You better recognize.
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<b>#5</b> <i>Danish & Blue</i> - Lilacs & Champagne<br />
<i>Black Tar Prophecies, Vol's 4, 5, & 6</i> - Grails<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pBIMR1bpG50EPnSXPeIbv43SJoQ6qya6SRCEhBPCwO-VkJ_d2YvByTYQKVDC5AupOTp9Z2RUWVmuhoZasrqbhdXgH9hyOkQZQRZpBGCIck6xaS6HsxzQITrh1T1IbBm2Xj5qZ_D8-cI/s1600/Danish+&+Blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pBIMR1bpG50EPnSXPeIbv43SJoQ6qya6SRCEhBPCwO-VkJ_d2YvByTYQKVDC5AupOTp9Z2RUWVmuhoZasrqbhdXgH9hyOkQZQRZpBGCIck6xaS6HsxzQITrh1T1IbBm2Xj5qZ_D8-cI/s380/Danish+&+Blue.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFB0gXalWQE" target=_blank>Refractory Period</a>" from <i>Danish & Blue</i> (2013)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwwPsg9XeyU" target=_blank>Invitation to Ruin</a>" from <i>Black Tar Prophecies, Vol's 4, 5, & 6</i> (2013)<br />
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Genre - Eclectic Library-Music Post-Rock<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lilacs-Champagne/250095151711555" target=_blank>L&C FB</a>, <a href="http://www.grailsongs.com/" target=_blank>Grailsongs</a><br />
Location - Portland, Ore.<br />
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Review - <a href="http://www.popmatters.com/review/171028-lilacs-champagne-danish-blue/" target=_blank><i>D&B</i></a>, <a href="http://www.popmatters.com/review/176077-grails-black-tar-prophecies-vols-4-5-6/" target=_blank><i>BTP-456</i></a><br />
Download <i>Danish & Blue</i> - <a href="http://www.mexicansummer.com/shop/lilacs-champagne-danish-blue/" target=_blank>Mexican Summer</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Danish-Blue-Lilacs-Champagne/dp/B00C90ST34/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/danish-blue/id633315134" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Download <i>Black Tar Vols 4-6</i> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Black-Tar-Prophecies-Vols-Grails/dp/B00F0XBIKI/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/black-tar-prophecies-vol.-4-5-6/id688265002" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.mexicansummer.com/shop/lilacs-champagne-danish-blue/" target=_blank><i>D&B</i> @ MexSum</a>, <a href="http://shop.temporaryresidence.com/trr187" target=_blank><i>BTP</i> @ TRL</a>
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Lilacs & Champagne (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/11/lilacs-champagne-6-2012.html" target=_blank>#6 of 2012</a>), they are 2 of 4 from Grails (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/02/deep-politics-grails-1-2011.html" target=_blank>#1 of 2011</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/09/grails-6-2008.html" target=_blank>#6 of 2008</a>, and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/12/top-50-ish-records-of-2010-11-20.html" target=_blank>#19 of 2010</a>). The main band's retro-psych-Kraut post-rock has been gravitating closer to the side project's obscure-soundtrack found-sound mash-up's. L&C's 2nd goes even deeper into whatever you'd call it... obscurantism? I believe some/most/all of the titles might be inspired from other songs: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNcXFy8QTC4" target=_blank>Alone Again And...</a>," "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rxz_J9XKHM" target=_blank>Police Story</a>," "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzhZHl9BaaY" target=_blank>Sour / Suite</a>," etc. Grails' 2nd <i>BTP</i> collection does the same as the previous: all of 2 recent limited EP's, plus additional new materials. Some of it's real cool, and some sounds like working into a brand new bag. But that's what I call experimentalism.
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<b>#6</b> <i>II</i> - Föllakzoid<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmva3p_DB7wh478nzi3KE-kaikOUlDicsoSn_KviOJdX5HZb9sxqThLBbB1RjuOUw2wf9o-TtaHZ8-m3zMIXrxB8469gdTbITz1ufUrsP4CyIX47AE1XX4e1dOlmjRabCxsRa3MPh6Lo/s1600/Follakzoid+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmva3p_DB7wh478nzi3KE-kaikOUlDicsoSn_KviOJdX5HZb9sxqThLBbB1RjuOUw2wf9o-TtaHZ8-m3zMIXrxB8469gdTbITz1ufUrsP4CyIX47AE1XX4e1dOlmjRabCxsRa3MPh6Lo/s380/Follakzoid+II.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz1jEsPWTUE" target=_blank>9</a>" from <i>Föllakzoid II</i> (2013)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGzvHL7b6fQ" target=_blank>Trees</a>" from <i>Todo Muere, Vol. 2</i> (2012)<br />
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Genre - Chilean Kosmische Space-Rock<br />
Official/Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/F%C3%96LLAKZOID/153511308103907" target=_blank>facebook.com/pages/FÖLLAKZOID/</a><br />
Location - Santiago, Chile<br />
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Full-Album Stream - <a href="http://follakzoid.bandcamp.com/album/ii-2" target=_blank>Bandcamp</a><br />
Review - <a href="http://thefourohfive.com/review/article/follakzoid-follakzoid-ii" target=_blank>The 405</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://follakzoid.bandcamp.com/album/ii-2" target=_blank>Bandcamp</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/II-F%C3%B6llakzoid/dp/B00ATWYQPY/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ii/id590062340" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.sacredbonesrecords.com/releases/sbr087/" target=_blank>Sacred Bones Records</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/2-Follakzoid/dp/B00A30L89Y/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>
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Only mentioned before in passing, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2011/09/chilean-sea-chanteys-fb.html" target=_blank>about Chile's scenery</a>... What do you like: (A) psychedelic music, (B) Krautrock, (C) space music, or (D) all of the above? I've got a strong suspicion that Föllakzoid & I share the same answer. Kinda weird that it's unusual that they have some vocals, but not too many.
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<b>#7</b> <i>Master</i> - Teeth of the Sea<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5QxbDvX_DZ26hyphenhyphenOAUEEhXBDDLezvD7rpyBT6LNAaCUeEcZr5iLAyE4JZwJt4cJ7-VjcEUw_-AFJaFEBfxQv279SjqY9y0UVk8jF7uvTxHBdrJ5z6plQEcIAXGOudc0MnN1XFZYh5vdk/s1600/Master+TOTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5QxbDvX_DZ26hyphenhyphenOAUEEhXBDDLezvD7rpyBT6LNAaCUeEcZr5iLAyE4JZwJt4cJ7-VjcEUw_-AFJaFEBfxQv279SjqY9y0UVk8jF7uvTxHBdrJ5z6plQEcIAXGOudc0MnN1XFZYh5vdk/s380/Master+TOTS.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJCdQSXqKwA" target=_blank>Reaper</a>" from <i>Master</i> (2013)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N77TJTVZKFQ" target=_blank>Responder</a>" [live] from <i>Master</i> (2013)<br />
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Genre - Electro-Noise-Prog<br />
Official/Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Teeth-Of-The-Sea/115594505139423" target=_blank>facebook.com/pages/Teeth-Of-The-Sea/</a><br />
Location - London Town<br />
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Full-Album Stream - <a href="http://rocketrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/master" target=_blank>Rocket Bandcamp</a><br />
Review - <a href="http://www.headheritage.co.uk/addressdrudion/170/2013/" target=_blank>Head Heritage</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://rocketrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/master" target=_blank>Rocket Bandcamp</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Master-Teeth-Sea/dp/B00FAST5B2/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/master/id715758950" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://beta.forcedexposure.com/Artist/TEETH.OF.THE.SEA.html" target=_blank>Forced Exposure (US)</a>, <a href="http://boomkat.com/cds/801603-teeth-of-the-sea-master" target=_blank>Boomkat (UK)</a><br />
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Well, I truly resisted as long as I could. TOTS's mutation into an electronic crew was not a welcomed one for me. I tried to keep an open mind, and resisted, then somehow I adjusted my expectations and found a real interesting smörgåsbord of... not quite everything, but a lot. Still can't imagine it supplanting the two previous albums (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/12/orphaned-by-ocean-teeth-of-sea-9-2009.html" target=_blank>#9, 2009</a> & <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2011/12/your-mercury-teeth-of-sea-10-2010.html" target=_blank>#10, 2010</a>), and I would welcome a stylistic U-turn. But for what's on offer, well worth exploring. O yeah, and that's an experimental, <i>neo-Italo-disco</i> narrative sci-fi/horror-soundtrack pseudo-concept album.
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<b>#8</b> <i>(Ensemble Pearl)</i> - (Ensemble Pearl)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0jK742Is2KJpKgxTbeKZIUS4akfuf38pSci4sAEp3B1DvQLsZXeZZOfO_iFhqA8SRlXSyDsYIc1ICR2IUGxzH1KZ4xO0iMNkOns_m5DzbbWggJpoEDuXCOy5S3llToXKoU3l6Gd7NOY/s1600/Ensemble+Pearl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0jK742Is2KJpKgxTbeKZIUS4akfuf38pSci4sAEp3B1DvQLsZXeZZOfO_iFhqA8SRlXSyDsYIc1ICR2IUGxzH1KZ4xO0iMNkOns_m5DzbbWggJpoEDuXCOy5S3llToXKoU3l6Gd7NOY/s380/Ensemble+Pearl.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9XQTGJHDY4" target=_blank>Painting on a Corpse</a>" from <i>(Ensemble Pearl)</i> (2013)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SGT4xXsEn8" target=_blank>Wray</a>" from <i>(Ensemble Pearl)</i> (2013)<br />
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Genre - Drone<br />
Location - Seattle x Tokyo<br />
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Review - <a href="http://www.tinymixtapes.com/music-review/ensemble-pearl-ensemble-pearl" target=_blank>Tiny Mix Tapes</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.dragcity.com/products/ensemble-pearl" target=_blank>Drag City</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ensemble-Pearl/dp/B00BT6OTGK/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ensemble-pearl/id616186462" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.dragcity.com/products/ensemble-pearl" target=_blank>Drag City</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ensemble-Pearl/dp/B00B2WZN0M/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
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Stephen O'Malley of Sunn O))) and Æthenor (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/11/deep-in-ocean-sunk-lamp-of-light.html" target=_blank>#7 of 2006</a>,
<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/12/next-10-non-metal-of-2009.html" target=_blank>#16 Non-Metal of 2009</a>, and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2011/12/top-11-20-albums-of-2011.html" target=_blank>#13 of 2011</a>), plus drummer from Boris (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/10/rainbow-boris-6-2007.html" target=_blank>#6 of 2007</a>) & Michio Kurihara of Ghost (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/03/hypnotic-underworld-ghost-6-2004.html" target=_blank>#6, 2004</a>). That TMT review calls them "chamber doom." LOL ;)
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<b>#9</b> <i>Find What You Love and Let It Kill You</i> EP - Linus Pauling Quartet<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vYbQxd6iFIXLZmbl3fJ8i13j9-ui081ajwdyF0Kqgk2v3KxdYiLXkKcwUZDE8fIaiA6zl8yOi7OSM8DNkQjpnFzVB8v8Ca0kNAxquJvG9vx4ROqwhWZx5penNRfOg1s2Ywfu44OlNOw/s1600/Find+What+You+Love+LP4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vYbQxd6iFIXLZmbl3fJ8i13j9-ui081ajwdyF0Kqgk2v3KxdYiLXkKcwUZDE8fIaiA6zl8yOi7OSM8DNkQjpnFzVB8v8Ca0kNAxquJvG9vx4ROqwhWZx5penNRfOg1s2Ywfu44OlNOw/s380/Find+What+You+Love+LP4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqmGB2qWMCI" target=_blank>The Road</a>" from <i>Find What You Love...</i> EP (2013)<br />
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Genre - A Mellow Side of Linus<br />
Official/Blog - <a href="http://www.worshipguitars.org/LP4/LP4_WordPress/" target=_blank>worshipguitars.org</a><br />
Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LinusPaulingQuartet" target=_blank>facebook.com/LinusPaulingQuartet</a><br />
Location - Houston, TX, USA<br />
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Full-Album Stream - <a href="http://thelinuspaulingquartet.bandcamp.com/album/find-what-you-love-and-let-it-kill-you" target=_blank>LP4 Bandcamp</a><br />
Review - <a href="http://aural-innovations.com/blog/2013/06/the-linus-pauling-quartet-find-what-you-love-and-let-it-kill-you-homeskool-records-2013-7-ep/" target=_blank>Aural Innovations</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://thelinuspaulingquartet.bandcamp.com/album/find-what-you-love-and-let-it-kill-you" target=_blank>LP4 Bandcamp</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Find-What-You-Love-Kill/dp/B00DOPU03U/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/find-what-you-love-let-it/id667625294" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://thelinuspaulingquartet.bandcamp.com/album/find-what-you-love-and-let-it-kill-you" target=_blank>LP4 Bandcamp</a>
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Houston super-regulars: <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/02/bag-of-hammers-linus-pauling-quartet-2.html" target=_blank>#2 of 2012</a> and
<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/10/all-things-are-light-linus-pauling.html" target=_blank>#3 of 2007</a>, just to mention a couple. This is a ltd-ed 7" EP, with all three tunes written and sung by Ramon, two of them being smooth & sad. Only "USA" kicks up some dust, and local lore. Surprisingly effective for what's not usually an LP4 superpower.
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<b>#10</b> <i>Valonielu</i> - Oranssi Pazuzu<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBkyoVhbYGAbZIEgsW4_Guawak3wXSwuLYFi201YNVvjoBALAr5Q7I9I7RNEdvUlpc3p9STAnhsVhYkplUwkjF9QOI0q9xROKWPPLUZYSsfAJHYlDseSBU88PPSxd4qruizKIdwyO2JM/s1600/Valonielu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBkyoVhbYGAbZIEgsW4_Guawak3wXSwuLYFi201YNVvjoBALAr5Q7I9I7RNEdvUlpc3p9STAnhsVhYkplUwkjF9QOI0q9xROKWPPLUZYSsfAJHYlDseSBU88PPSxd4qruizKIdwyO2JM/s380/Valonielu.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFufCURB0l4" target=_blank>Tyhjä Tempelli</a>" from <i>Valonielu</i> (2013)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvLdM9wAil4" target=_blank>Olen Aukaissut Uuden Silmän</a>" from <i>Valonielu</i> (2013)<br />
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Genre - Psychedelic Black-Space Metal<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.oranssipazuzu.com/" target=_blank>oranssipazuzu.com/</a><br />
Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oranssi-pazuzu/58437793552" target=_blank>facebook.com/pages/Oranssi-pazuzu/</a><br />
Location - Tampere-Seinäjoki, Finland<br />
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Full-Album Stream - <a href="http://listen.20buckspin.com/album/valonielu" target=_blank>20 Buck Spin</a><br />
Review - <a href="http://www.treblezine.com/reviews/oranssi-pazuzu-valonielu/" target=_blank>Treble Zine</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://listen.20buckspin.com/album/valonielu" target=_blank>20 Buck Spin</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Valonielu-Oranssi-Pazuzu/dp/B00FJRYALY/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/valonielu/id715186854" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.20buckspinshop.com/products/oranssi-pazuzu-valonielu-cd" target=_blank>20 Buck Spin</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Valonielu-Oranssi-Pazuzu/dp/B00ER0QLCU/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>
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Unprecedented... maybe I linked on Facebook once? So if you're anything like my own personal friends, you probably barely tolerate my occasional Black Metal outbursts. And you know me, I really understand - I don't push too much. But you should really check this one out! This might be your chance to get it, or at least to get past the BM lizard-demon vocals. Extra-cool band.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCq9ICoA-50dZCYi7lhZ6DoybGaNDEZIU_AuXdJNS_MJIceWHdplW1b4BjcSif_HdGKpzeekglJSaGlSxOluF6p8ttjrtsJqScBP0k6LAx_cf0CqTapIz4eq0h8IvgA40z-0lRqL9Miw/s1600/Shapwick+gatefold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCq9ICoA-50dZCYi7lhZ6DoybGaNDEZIU_AuXdJNS_MJIceWHdplW1b4BjcSif_HdGKpzeekglJSaGlSxOluF6p8ttjrtsJqScBP0k6LAx_cf0CqTapIz4eq0h8IvgA40z-0lRqL9Miw/s380/Shapwick+gatefold.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I couldn't stop with just ten...<br />
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It made no sense.
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<b>#11</b> "Stonegoat/Dreambuilding" single - Goat<br />
"Run to Your Mama" RSD remix EP's - Goat<br />
<i>Live Ballroom Ritual</i> - Goat<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzBf105HCAzmDLEqouqBKFQ6a-B22v06PZMP-IIOUpjsNu8rB7Wr5lwcqo3IbLfNyUhVkegFkE3UrRjvvxaNpGAPXr44IvAY30ovR1EDtJQZe3KKUD-9quv8XRqBibOK8BMe7rOCcYg4/s1600/Stonegoat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzBf105HCAzmDLEqouqBKFQ6a-B22v06PZMP-IIOUpjsNu8rB7Wr5lwcqo3IbLfNyUhVkegFkE3UrRjvvxaNpGAPXr44IvAY30ovR1EDtJQZe3KKUD-9quv8XRqBibOK8BMe7rOCcYg4/s380/Stonegoat.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw9oi-qSr2U" target=_blank>Stonegoat</a>" from 12" single (2013)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XFlMxctXK8" target=_blank>Run to Your Mama (Gnod & Raikes Parade remix)</a>" from RSD remixes <i>Vol. 2</i> (2013)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n85k1lw_bg" target=_blank>Goathead</a>" live @ Electric Ballroom, London (06/27/2013)<br />
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Genre - Scando-Afro-Funk, live, remixed<br />
Official/Blog - <a href="http://goatsweden.blogspot.com/" target=_blank>goatsweden.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/goatsweden" target=_blank>facebook.com/goatsweden</a><br />
Location - Korpilombolo, Sweden<br />
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Full-Album Stream(s) - <a href="http://rocketrecordings.bandcamp.com/music" target=_blank>Rocket Recordings Bandcamp</a><br />
Review - <a href="http://www.thesleepingshaman.com/reviews/album-reviews/g/goat-stonegoat-dreambuilding-7inch-dd-2013/" target=_blank>The Sleeping Shaman</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://rocketrecordings.bandcamp.com/music" target=_blank>Rocket Bandcamp</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Live-Ballroom-Ritual-Goat/dp/B00FWGZ67O/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/goat/id438040835" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://beta.forcedexposure.com/Artist/GOAT.html" target=_blank>Forced Exposure (US)</a>, <a href="http://www.subpop.com/artists/goat" target=_blank>S>u>B P<o<P</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Live-Ballroom-Ritual-Goat/dp/B00GAZPGIA/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>
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They were already my <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/01/world-music-goat-1-2012.html" target=_blank>#1 of 2012</a> before I saw them at this year's Austin Psych Fest. The single's definitely worth getting, the RSD remix EP's are pretty interesting, and the live album sounds real good. But 2012 was the Year of Goat, and 2013 was kind of a whole lot like that again. Still love the band, but the same lightning can't strike the same place twice - at least not this soon.
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<b>#12</b> <i>From The Ages</i> - Earthless<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoV5hownBBZV1lkV7AGzgQOl-bVb_lJxx7hbYIXbWv7WHhMeUh3NNxja6BZ2ovVm1EowiZayqZNRVzO0BNHkLu56zP83sgAj9CIAudPN2EsNpfZRWrR1o9MvlaSeFiuva5CspuSTRFXw/s1600/From+The+Ages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoV5hownBBZV1lkV7AGzgQOl-bVb_lJxx7hbYIXbWv7WHhMeUh3NNxja6BZ2ovVm1EowiZayqZNRVzO0BNHkLu56zP83sgAj9CIAudPN2EsNpfZRWrR1o9MvlaSeFiuva5CspuSTRFXw/s380/From+The+Ages.jpg" /></a></div>
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"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHuoYAYhu10" target=_blank>Uluru Rock</a>" from <i>From The Ages</i> (2013)<br />
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Genre - Heavy-Duty Exploratory Jams<br />
Official/Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Earthless/117307888322324" target=_blank>facebook.com/pages/Earthless/</a><br />
Location - San Diego, Calif.<br />
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Full-Album Stream - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymLczhr4pLs" target=_blank>YouTube</a><br />
Review - <a href="http://theobelisk.net/obelisk/2013/08/22/earthless-from-the-ages-review/" target=_blank>The Obelisk</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ages-Earthless/dp/B00EHF7YQC/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/from-the-ages/id686363177" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://teepee.hasawebstore.com/from-the-ages-cd-earthless/product/INS121192" target=_blank>Tee Pee Records</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ages-Earthless/dp/B00EI41MGA/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>
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Finally! It's been so long since Earthless had something of their own. As expected: relentless jamming. The epic title song was actually on my first Earthless album, <i>Live at Roadburn</i> (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/09/earthless-3-2008_14.html" target=_blank>#3 of 2008</a>). Their last normal full album... five years ago! Next year's APF should be my first live Earthless - so psyched.
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<b>#13</b> <i>CAN's Ege Bamyasi</i> played by Stephen Malkmus and Friends <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYHk07jjbWTORcv3jBaEcRSVWLr7u4dUFeiH-nHGyp2XZ5wvPxs2TqtGWO67p4O3z8tRbmQTHCkanNGIdz0SkXV5FqpRigO98u2kfBc-CSRg8lMncnvOoJ9aj5ynVfmyrCXoRfHKCC44/s1600/SM+Ege+Bamyasi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYHk07jjbWTORcv3jBaEcRSVWLr7u4dUFeiH-nHGyp2XZ5wvPxs2TqtGWO67p4O3z8tRbmQTHCkanNGIdz0SkXV5FqpRigO98u2kfBc-CSRg8lMncnvOoJ9aj5ynVfmyrCXoRfHKCC44/s380/SM+Ege+Bamyasi.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Loju93Ep57c" target=_blank>One More Night</a>" from <i>CAN's Ege Bamyasi</i> (2013)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvFfGccq7Ac" target=_blank>Vitamin C</a>" from <i>CAN's Ege Bamyasi</i> (2013)<br />
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Genre - Pave-man covers Kraut klassic<br />
Official - <a href="http://stephenmalkmus.com/" target=_blank>stephenmalkmus.com/</a><br />
Location - Portland, Ore.<br />
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Review - <a href="http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2013/04/stephen-malkmus-and-friends-cans-ege-bamyasi-playe.html" target=_blank>Paste Magazine</a><br />
Download - Record Store Day vinyl-only release<br />
Purchase - <a href="http://turntablelab.com/products/stephen-malkmus-and-friends-cans-ege-bamyasi-colored-vinyl-lp" target=_blank>Turntable Lab</a>
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My <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-10-new-releases-of-2005.html" target=_blank>#7 Artist of 2005</a> doing my <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/11/top-10-releases-of-1972.html" target=_blank>#4 Album of 1972</a>! Terrific sounding live show of full-on covers. If Malkmus had actually written all this music and this was a record of his new material, it would be higher. But it's cool & fun & great for fans of either/both.
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<b>#14</b> <i>... Like Clockwork</i> - Queens of the Stone Age<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghr4xG6tvYY7WcmRFIvJCEWb4Q8vogUJUriPPjKX6dkcSnTu7IfFKwewV7IDfAy_RaVtnWFx25M-fsrnNVLUtA3KzHmWPiRKPQouE-aKkg024kXsBPWhrwbw_ZnTHBSofrlEm2Xhaha-Q/s1600/Like+Clockwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghr4xG6tvYY7WcmRFIvJCEWb4Q8vogUJUriPPjKX6dkcSnTu7IfFKwewV7IDfAy_RaVtnWFx25M-fsrnNVLUtA3KzHmWPiRKPQouE-aKkg024kXsBPWhrwbw_ZnTHBSofrlEm2Xhaha-Q/s380/Like+Clockwork.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFca32_7YUU" target=_blank>My God Is the Sun</a>" from <i>... Like Clockwork</i> (2013)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9OfBcjyxKY" target=_blank>I Appear Missing</a>" from <i>... Like Clockwork</i> (2013)<br />
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Genre - Post-Stonerism<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.qotsa.com/" target=_blank>qotsa.com/</a><br />
Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/QOTSA" target=_blank>facebook.com/QOTSA</a><br />
Location - Palm Desert, California<br />
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Review - <a href="http://thequietus.com/articles/12465-queens-of-the-stone-age-like-clockwork-review" target=_blank>The Quietus</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://store.matadorrecords.com/like-clockwork" target=_blank>Matador Records</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Like-Clockwork-Queens-Stone-Age/dp/B00CY1JUW2/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/...like-clockwork/id630719740" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://store.matadorrecords.com/like-clockwork" target=_blank>Matador Records</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Like-Clockwork-Queens-Stone-Age/dp/B00C9U9YOW/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>
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Last post: <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/12/top-10-releases-of-2002.html" target=_blank>#3, 2002</a>. More (less?) recently <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/01/best-live-music-of-2011-top-10-ish.html" target=_blank>#6 Live, 2011</a>, and I should be seeing them again in a couple of months. Haven't had this record too long, so we'll see... could go either way, or stay the same. I'm getting a really strong Bowie vibe from a whole lot of it. So far, I'm digging it - more than maybe anything since <i>Songs for the Deaf</i>.
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<b>#15</b> <i>Watching Dead Empires in Decay</i> - The Stranger<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTzXV9yycZ08Bzt6Seq2mIrsJGR6-Cvt_ooT4i-o0MkjDQKwcMnaoXbUaUKlRTxJTiHy1syzZbsb4oAbfcMKF2dz7pJRnz9PBsaepTyqzTXz1ZdyS5pouQ7bojiR8-w0-a580FlNR5Gk/s1600/Watching+Dead+Empires+In+Decay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTzXV9yycZ08Bzt6Seq2mIrsJGR6-Cvt_ooT4i-o0MkjDQKwcMnaoXbUaUKlRTxJTiHy1syzZbsb4oAbfcMKF2dz7pJRnz9PBsaepTyqzTXz1ZdyS5pouQ7bojiR8-w0-a580FlNR5Gk/s380/Watching+Dead+Empires+In+Decay.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjG2uP-qsfQ" target=_blank>Where Are Our Monsters Now, Where Are Our Friends?</a>" from <i>Watching Dead Empires in Decay</i> (2013)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no2oVs75ugM" target=_blank>Providence or Fate</a>" from <i>Watching Dead Empires in Decay</i> (2013)<br />
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Genre - The Caretaker by any other name<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.brainwashed.com/vvm/index.html" target=_blank>brainwashed.com/vvm/</a><br />
Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Leyland-Kirby/100602723328107" target=_blank>brainwashed.com/vvm/</a><br />
Location - Manchester, Britain<br />
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Full-Album Stream - <a href="http://thestranger1.bandcamp.com/album/watching-dead-empires-in-decay" target=_blank>Bandcamp</a>, <a href="http://soundcloud.com/leylandkirby/sets/the-stranger-watching-dead" target=_blank>SoundCloud</a><br />
Review - <a href="http://www.factmag.com/2013/11/04/the-stranger-watching-dead-empires-in-decay/" target=_blank>FACT Mag</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://thestranger1.bandcamp.com/album/watching-dead-empires-in-decay" target=_blank>Bandcamp</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Watching-Dead-Empires-Decay-Stranger/dp/B00G3TZQZQ/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/watching-dead-empires-in-decay/id728067125" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://beta.forcedexposure.com/Artist/STRANGER.THE.html" target=_blank>Forced Exposure (US)</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stranger/dp/B00F9XFVRA/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>
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The Caretaker was notably <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/12/an-empty-bliss-beyond-this-world-others.html" target=_blank>#10 of 2011</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-10-droneambient-of-2005.html" target=_blank>#1 Drone/Ambient of 2005</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-10-droneambient-of-2009.html" target=_blank>#3 Drone/Ambient of 2009</a>. Plus you can read all about the Leyland Kirby <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/02/double-fist-of-trilogy-packages.html" target=_blank><i>Sadness...</i> trilogy</a>. The Stranger now sits somewhere between The Caretaker (disintegrating audio of memories) & later Leyland Kirby (rhythms 'n' tension). Fortunately for me, a bit more of the former than I'd been lead to believe. The tension is there, but the rhythms aren't so... uhhhh, beaty?
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<b>#16</b> <i>The Terror</i> - The Flaming Lips<br />
<i>Peace Sword</i> EP - The Flaming Lips<br />
<i>2nd Cassette Demo</i> 7" - The Flaming Lips<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9s7nlmn4RKlUu9wTPBdc8QmdMz0gYQxX5fPh3eGfP7Al-DyIwja0YOCF62JrrZlItf43fPCgTRUN-zf6FDLxUtedW-iJjyEhe_YeP5A4GRW7XkrIjedm6YZGY_C1AU105N3bXGRqSl0/s1600/The+Terror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9s7nlmn4RKlUu9wTPBdc8QmdMz0gYQxX5fPh3eGfP7Al-DyIwja0YOCF62JrrZlItf43fPCgTRUN-zf6FDLxUtedW-iJjyEhe_YeP5A4GRW7XkrIjedm6YZGY_C1AU105N3bXGRqSl0/s380/The+Terror.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzZig-Q8fm4" target=_blank>Look... The Sun Is Rising</a>" from <i>The Terror</i> (2013)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTWcn8xFGCo" target=_blank>Peace Sword (Open Your Heart)</a>" from <i>Peace Sword</i> EP (2013)<br />
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Genre - Newfangled Downerism<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.flaminglips.com/" target=_blank>flaminglips.com/</a><br />
Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/flaminglips" target=_blank>facebook.com/flaminglips</a><br />
Location - Oklahoma City, Okla.<br />
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Review - <a href="http://consequenceofsound.net/2013/04/album-review-the-flaming-lips-the-terror/" target=_blank>Consequence of Sound</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Terror-Flaming-Lips/dp/B00C53PXWK/" target=_blank>Amazon</a> (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Peace-Sword-Flaming-Lips/dp/B00G4UCBUC/" target=_blank><i>P.S.</i> EP</a>), <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-terror-deluxe-version/id598829977" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://store.flaminglips.com/music-1/the-terror-cd-463872.html" target=_blank>Flaming Lips Store</a> (<a href="http://store.flaminglips.com/music-1/the-terror-limited-edition-colored-vinyl-463882.html" target=_blank>ltd-ed vinyl</a>), <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Terror-Flaming-Lips/dp/B00B7LYJYE/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
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Can't list all of their accolades again - just did that last weekend for the <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/12/top-10-releases-of-2002.html" target=_blank>#2 of 2002</a> module. <i>The Terror</i>'s the "Dark Side Of The Coyne" album. You definitely want to be prepared, and in an appropriate mood. Heavy, man. There's a lot to unpack, but do you want to? The <i>Peace Sword</i> EP seems a little bunk to me, except for the OST title track. Maybe I just haven't been in that mood yet. Brand new '83 demo 7" was just released on Christmas Eve, and my turntable's messed up. Probably super-raw? It's autographed by Wayne.
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Also, this year was a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVC1zIVq3z0" target=_blank>Tame Impala split EP</a> of mutual covers, and apparently a song <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7MpLIRpG2A" target=_blank>from a cable-TV soundtrack</a>. Probably a few albums encased in gummy as well...
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<b>#17</b> <i>Engravings</i> - Forest Swords<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NcKiCYNkwxl_EvxZRyCAPUBANTHuxCUzKG8xO5jQGj2DQhf-dIVgDGtg8-LiUSceXFVfqIj4xGKVsA2Q6UIc9Yqxf-ST_n_t5T7qglneMumRT0wj_k0z4168bhL8HQ_IPBNi-6EJG7U/s1600/Engravings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NcKiCYNkwxl_EvxZRyCAPUBANTHuxCUzKG8xO5jQGj2DQhf-dIVgDGtg8-LiUSceXFVfqIj4xGKVsA2Q6UIc9Yqxf-ST_n_t5T7qglneMumRT0wj_k0z4168bhL8HQ_IPBNi-6EJG7U/s380/Engravings.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SE8hH_EZbo" target=_blank>Thor's Stone</a>" from <i>Engravings</i> (2013)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlK8jCJrsH4" target=_blank>The Weight of Gold</a>" from <i>Engravings</i> (2013)<br />
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Genre - Witch-House Drone-Psych Dub<br />
Official/Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/forestswords" target=_blank>facebook.com/forestswords</a><br />
Location - Liverpool, U.K.<br />
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Review - <a href="http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/18401-forest-swords-engravings/" target=_blank>Pitchfork</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Engravings-Forest-Swords/dp/B00EINAFG4/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/engravings/id685671200" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Engravings-Forest-Swords/dp/B00E4LBZVO/" target=_blank>Amazon(US)</a>, <a href="http://trianglerecords.sandbaghq.com/cd/forest-swords-engraving-cd-pre-order.html" target=_blank>Tri Angle Records (UK)</a>
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Forest Sword's official debut EP was my <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/11/o-yeah-thats-who-i-forgot.html" target=_blank>#21 of 2010</a>, and here's his full-length debut. As cool as that is, I kinda think it should have been another EP. But I understand - expectations were high. When he hits a roll though, there's a pretty unique alchemy. All the various components (which are mostly pretty obvious) merge & interact & transmute in unexpected ways. Also, nice job getting a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZAE8TOiZAs" target=_blank>Lee "Scratch" Perry remix</a>!
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<b>#18</b> <i>Earth Rocker</i> - Clutch<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0AcxhA0gr1gvc9thCQ5doM67_hGrXuxShkwfGAwH1q_OAL0mb92Jk-tk0eTLav4frjlp1Tj4HCFq8FO1e1i_PdeubSb6XoJO39DWF8RtU3rvxlxw6DxOCtTrkr7sUYZRbvd-J0H9658/s1600/Earth+Rocker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0AcxhA0gr1gvc9thCQ5doM67_hGrXuxShkwfGAwH1q_OAL0mb92Jk-tk0eTLav4frjlp1Tj4HCFq8FO1e1i_PdeubSb6XoJO39DWF8RtU3rvxlxw6DxOCtTrkr7sUYZRbvd-J0H9658/s380/Earth+Rocker.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzBSQ_zeUQ8" target=_blank>Earth Rocker</a>" from <i>Earth Rocker</i> (2013)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1EyFKmI7to" target=_blank>Mr. Freedom</a>" from <i>Earth Rocker</i> (2013)<br />
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Genre - Rawk<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.pro-rock.com/" target=_blank>pro-rock.com/</a><br />
Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Clutchband" target=_blank>facebook.com/Clutchband</a><br />
Location - Frederick, MD<br />
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Full-Album Stream - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYSOT_YgHjA" target=_blank>YouTube</a><br />
Review - <a href="http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/55617/Clutch-Earth-Rocker/" target=_blank>Sputnik Music</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Earth-Rocker-Clutch/dp/B00BCOGM78/" target=_blank>Amazon</a> (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Earth-Rocker-Live-Clutch/dp/B00GH0MQHW/" target=_blank>live bonus</a>), <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/earth-rocker/id600198101" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Earth-Rocker-Clutch/dp/B00B1ME3DQ/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.indiemerch.com/weathermaker/item/22285" target=_blank>ltd-ed 2xLP (w/ live disc)</a>
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Clutch return to rockin' form (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/11/top-10-music-of-1995.html" target=_blank>#3, 1995</a>)! It's been awhile since I've really dug what they were doing. I had tickets to their local show in May, but couldn't make it. Turns out they used some of that set for a later ltd-ed vinyl bonus disc.
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<b>#19</b> <i>Shapwick</i> - Jon Brooks<br />
<i>Study Series 09: Projections</i> - The Listening Center/Pye Corner Audio<br />
<i>Study Series 10: Message and Method</i> - Belbury Poly/Spacedog<br />
<i>Empty Avenues</i> 10" EP - John Foxx & The Belbury Poly<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQEN-Cv0e8vrdv3wuE4trlzf16_JBcQ64oGwTTh6F92eoqFiPh8e8tututtYkNFSCu5mhAG9WzEgw9orxZFXsQIRtUGP5g_W4CrYlxcTxlBJ9bjtcQTEbpHVXdH7Mccxh7hUgCCuR9cY/s1600/Study+Series+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQEN-Cv0e8vrdv3wuE4trlzf16_JBcQ64oGwTTh6F92eoqFiPh8e8tututtYkNFSCu5mhAG9WzEgw9orxZFXsQIRtUGP5g_W4CrYlxcTxlBJ9bjtcQTEbpHVXdH7Mccxh7hUgCCuR9cY/s380/Study+Series+10.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdfafGC-bBw" target=_blank>Please Drive Carefully</a>" by Jon Brooks, from <i>Shapwick</i> (2013)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmc4_Lg0Z9k" target=_blank>Titoli</a>" by The Listening Center, from <i>Study Series 09: Projections</i> (2013)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED9uHUEDiMQ" target=_blank>Find Me</a>" by Belbury Poly & Spacedog, from <i>Study Series 10: Message and Method</i> (2013)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cczilTiXUzU" target=_blank>Almost There</a>" by John Foxx & The Belbury Poly, from <i>Empty Avenues</i> 10" (2013)<br />
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Genre - Electronic Hauntology<br />
Official - <a href="http://cafekaput.blogspot.com/" target=_blank>Café Kaput blog</a><br />
Official - <a href="http://www.ghostbox.co.uk/" target=_blank>Ghost Box UK</a><br />
Location - England<br />
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Review - <a href="http://active-listener.blogspot.com/2013/04/jon-brooks-shapwick-review.html" target=_blank>The Active Listener</a><br />
Download/Purchase - <a href="http://ghostbox.greedbag.com/" target=_blank>Ghost Box shop</a><br />
<i>Shapwick</i> by Jon Brooks is OOP, and seemingly unavailable...
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The Advisory Circle is Jon Brooks (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/12/top-10-podcastblog-mixes-of-2010.html" target=_blank>#6 Free Internet, 2010</a>). <i>Shapwick</i> was a boutique ltd-ed CD release, then in vinyl by popular demand, because it's a thematic study of pastoral English countryside dread via electronic miniature vignettes. The Ghost Box Study Series of collaborative 7"s has appeared as the <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2011/12/ghost-box-study-series-01-04-9-2010.html" target=_blank>#9 of 2010</a> and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2011/12/top-11-20-albums-of-2011.html" target=_blank>#19 of 2011</a>. These two are the last, and they're good but not the greatest. Belbury Poly has specifically shown up as <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/04/willows-belbury-poly-4-2004.html" target=_blank>#4 of 2004</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/12/next-10-non-metal-of-2009.html" target=_blank>#17 Non-Metal of 2009</a>, and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/01/top-10-studio-output-of-2012.html" target=_blank>#14 of 2012</a>. I particularly like their earlier, funnier material.
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<b>#20</b> <i>She's A Temple</i> - Space Debris<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SuAxKa-OTEN87-lrvarF27uAdrPJeCyYlXilxkH4YHxVaJmBBD6yIfAg79dimDDJ6zdDBuAjaP27lABVyEdT1hIFdD9FAaWPffye_yBfPiYo3JGPSrNkQI3lWjNspzuYmbcmvmyBHPs/s1600/She's+A+Temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SuAxKa-OTEN87-lrvarF27uAdrPJeCyYlXilxkH4YHxVaJmBBD6yIfAg79dimDDJ6zdDBuAjaP27lABVyEdT1hIFdD9FAaWPffye_yBfPiYo3JGPSrNkQI3lWjNspzuYmbcmvmyBHPs/s380/She's+A+Temple.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sy9iLuJ9pQ" target=_blank>Time Traveller</a>" from <i>She's A Temple</i> (2013)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtMFbRRr4QM" target=_blank>Cloudwalker</a>" from <i>She's A Temple</i> (2013)<br />
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Genre - Kraut Jam<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.spacedebrisprojekt.de/info.htm" target=_blank>spacedebrisprojekt.de/</a><br />
Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/spacedebrisofficial" target=_blank>facebook.com/spacedebrisofficial</a><br />
Location - Odenwald, Germany<br />
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Full-Album Stream - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aXYzIs1RkI" target=_blank>YouTube</a><br />
Review - <a href="http://aural-innovations.com/blog/2013/07/space-debris-shes-a-temple-2013-cd2-lp/" target=_blank>Aural Innovations</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.green-brain-krautrock.de/31cef40e3b0111f4bd69fa94785a3a0e,english,SPACE-DEBRIS-Shes-A-Temple-CD-213-Green-Brain-Breitklang_18391.html" target=_blank>Green Brain Krautrock (DEU)</a>
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Much like Space Debris. Their earlier, more Krautrock-influenced stuff (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/03/krautrock-sessions-1994-2001-space.html" target=_blank>#8 of 2004</a>,
<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-10-new-releases-of-2005.html" target=_blank>#2 of 2005</a>, and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/09/space-debris-7-2008.html" target=_blank>#7 of 2008</a>) has been giving way to a more improvisational live acid-blues-rock jamband... which is fine. Plenty of nice little details spread out over this surprise 2xLP. (I was surprised to just find it at my local Sound Exchange.)
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<br />Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-34828682823651474642013-12-21T14:46:00.000-06:002013-12-26T20:08:05.609-06:00Top 10 Releases of 2002Quite a few regulars here, but that's what 2002 was like.<br />
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... I guess.
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<b>#10</b> <i>Adaptation and Survival: The Insect Project</i> - Tribes of Neurot<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NBBn_4dGump4DnkBVxFRuGr7s-V1Uf_XC-wJdQy7V81BoLShNFVgB3FRdYNcP0Ilpvxe15i6HLx2LbEp5-JzS4XRWdYjrxfSTJoALdPutfXBKHfmRjaUys61fIAlQbZr7gvv1_L89DU/s1600/Adaptation+and+Survival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NBBn_4dGump4DnkBVxFRuGr7s-V1Uf_XC-wJdQy7V81BoLShNFVgB3FRdYNcP0Ilpvxe15i6HLx2LbEp5-JzS4XRWdYjrxfSTJoALdPutfXBKHfmRjaUys61fIAlQbZr7gvv1_L89DU/s380/Adaptation+and+Survival.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4RhrKN8zEA" target=_blank>Metamorphosis</a>" from <i>Adaptation and Survival</i> 10" (2002)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPJkhFp8uQk" target=_blank>Durability</a>" from <i>Adaptation and Survival</i> 7" (2002)<br />
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Genre - Experimental Noisescapes<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.tribesofneurot.com/" target=_blank>tribesofneurot.com/</a><br />
Location - Oakland, CA<br />
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Review - <a href="http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/8151-adaptation-and-survival-the-insect-project/" target=_blank>Pitchfork</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/adaptation-and-survival/id261580346" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Adaptation-Survival-Tribes-Neurot/dp/B000062YBM/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribes_of_Neurot" target=_blank>Wikipedia</a>: "Tribes of Neurot is a side project of Neurosis that consists of all the members of Neurosis ... Tribes of Neurot has given them the freedom to explore practically anything in music and sound, such as 2002's <i>Adaptation and Survival</i>, which consists entirely of insect noises recorded and mixed to create something that sounds entirely different." O yeah, and it was released on vinyl as a 3-disc box-set of 5", 7" and 10" platters meant to be mixed & matched, at various speeds. If I'd ever owned the vinyl edition, this would be <b><i>much</b></i> higher.<br />
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Neurosis was <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/08/top-10-albums-of-1996.html" target=_blank>#9 of 1996</a>, and Steve von Till's solo psych-folk-drone identity Harvestman ranked <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/12/in-dark-tongue-harvestman-5-2009.html" target=_blank>#5 of 2009</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/12/top-50-ish-records-of-2010-11-20.html" target=_blank>#12 of 2010</a>, and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-10-droneambient-of-2005.html" target=_blank>#2 Drone-Ambient of 2005</a>. The #10 spot could have easily gone to either: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH4XH-AEYzo" target=_blank><i>The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind</i> OST</a> by Jeremy Soule (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/01/honorable-mention-2011-not-so-bad.html" target=_blank>Honorable Mention, 2011</a>), or <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYOr8TlnqsY" target=_blank>The Disintegration Loops I</a></i> by William Basinski (re-released as <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/01/top-10-of-2012-archival-re-releases.html" target=_blank>#1 archival of 2012</a>). But this won a close call - awesome idea, interesting sounds, different.
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<b>#9</b> <i>Murray Street</i> - Sonic Youth<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwO6qzapcCf5VTUc1mSynITMxTipKYdflSHnMMlBVcqGgf497CTDSxhPiiZax3dyj7rlXAYRnjiiHy3QO1zLCUqzWlD53Ba4fP51jA9c9vKmeaofN5EwNI5sur8untIrrSQ9MtRX2iPc/s1600/Murray+Street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwO6qzapcCf5VTUc1mSynITMxTipKYdflSHnMMlBVcqGgf497CTDSxhPiiZax3dyj7rlXAYRnjiiHy3QO1zLCUqzWlD53Ba4fP51jA9c9vKmeaofN5EwNI5sur8untIrrSQ9MtRX2iPc/s380/Murray+Street.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhvLh8bG6Hg" target=_blank>The Empty Page</a>" from <i>Murray Street</i> (2002)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wPFV-DK-g8" target=_blank>Disconnection Notice</a>" from <i>Murray Street</i> (2002)<br />
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Genre - Late-Period Sonick<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.sonicyouth.com/" target=_blank>sonicyouth.com/</a><br />
Location - New Yawk City<br />
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Review - <a href="http://www.popmatters.com/review/sonicyouth-murray/ " target=_blank>Pop Matters</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Murray-St-Sonic-Youth/dp/B000W1ZE26/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/murray-street/id7303483" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000066I6F/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
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Loved me some Sonic Youth back in the day: <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/07/top-10-music-of-1987.html" target=_blank>#1 of 1987</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/11/top-10-albums-of-1988.html" target=_blank>#2 of 1988</a>, and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/12/top-10-releases-of-1990.html" target=_blank>#9 of 1990</a>. Although here's an older, more mature (boring) Youth, this is a pretty solid (if boring) album. And there might be no more Sonick song title than "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whTJBaoTQrY" target=_blank>Radical Adults Lick Godhead Style</a>." Lest you think it's only all the Thurston show... Free Lee offers the solid "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vSo0InPQlU" target=_blank>Karen Revisited</a>" - and Kim serves up a couple, notably "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNxHmKLKUxI" target=_blank>Sympathy for the Strawberry</a>" (even if both are a bit overlong). Either way, I'm glad I got the chance to revisit it, better than I remembered.
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8bc7hNYlfw" target=_blank>Full album stream</a>.
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<b>#8</b> <i>Sea Change</i> - Beck<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHODpdsKne3is5siGunwCN4I_EI5umwXu-rdOpXMGRWEX9FOsLZo2Wnj82otbZcO6gqqrv4HiaJKVHEtqP5K8RSvbgYOFnRGUvleckAAV9C4WDJpxYVsRPMhKKbR3oUsIQEt0KvwaSJoU/s1600/Sea+Change.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHODpdsKne3is5siGunwCN4I_EI5umwXu-rdOpXMGRWEX9FOsLZo2Wnj82otbZcO6gqqrv4HiaJKVHEtqP5K8RSvbgYOFnRGUvleckAAV9C4WDJpxYVsRPMhKKbR3oUsIQEt0KvwaSJoU/s380/Sea+Change.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkNa5xzOe5U" target=_blank>Lost Cause</a>" from <i>Sea Change</i> (2002)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MYd8tUMtkk" target=_blank>Guess I'm Doing Fine</a>" from <i>Sea Change</i> (2002)<br />
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Genre - Earnest Folkiness<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.beck.com/" target=_blank>beck.com/</a><br />
Location - El Lay, I'm assuming...<br />
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Review - <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/sea-change-20020910" target=_blank><i>Rolling Stone</i></a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sea-Change-Beck/dp/B000XO2R22/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sea-change/id485498435" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sea-Change-Beck/dp/B00006F7S4/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
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And here's another boring album. Beck is sad, and so he kind of makes a Nick Drake album, which turns out better than it really should have. I'm kind of serious - this is mostly mellow, acoustic folk-pop, with lots of accompaniment, and Beck singing fairly sad & straightforward lyrics, in his deepest possible voice. Wow, I had forgotten that he'd previously been listed for <i>Odelay</i> (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/08/top-10-albums-of-1996.html" target=_blank>#6, 1996</a>).<br />
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O yeah, 2002 was also the year I saw Beck & The Flaming Lips (see below) play together at Jones Hall: <a href="http://www.houstonmusicreview.com/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=114&Itemid=7" target=_blank>concert review</a> / <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnB_jSU1XBo" target=_blank>ACL 2 days prior</a> / <a href="http://www.psychiatricexplorations.com/shows/2002/november/13" target=_blank>setlist</a> (first ever "Who Loves The Sun?"!). I kinda forgot that Flaming Lips released their own version of "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp3jUGRYKs8" target=_blank>The Golden Age</a>" on some EP.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBNFj5iJzLM" target=_blank>Full album stream</a> (of <i>Sea Change</i>).
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<br />
<b>#7</b> <i>Oceanic</i> - Isis<br />
<i>Getting Sentimental</i> EP - House of Low Culture<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0w5iAd11Z8RGy2jP7v7PgAtLEG2NtCO-nWSEsfnuA7O5lQ2Y4mGKC6_6xd7xZtL3YniE6_YUZLqaW-enIRkSGSTZhTBi5HXrzog-U5geDAc_vm2RczF-eDAEmxz36IiHA-PAL8wZNg0U/s1600/Oceanic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0w5iAd11Z8RGy2jP7v7PgAtLEG2NtCO-nWSEsfnuA7O5lQ2Y4mGKC6_6xd7xZtL3YniE6_YUZLqaW-enIRkSGSTZhTBi5HXrzog-U5geDAc_vm2RczF-eDAEmxz36IiHA-PAL8wZNg0U/s380/Oceanic.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSTzoIazKhs" target=_blank>The Beginning and The End</a>" by Isis, from <i>Oceanic</i> (2002)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXynnOtiB9A" target=_blank>Getting Sentimental</a>" by House of Low Culture, from <i>Getting Sentimental</i> EP (2002)<br />
<br />
Genre - Second-Wave Post-Metal<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.isistheband.com/" target=_blank>isistheband.com/</a><br />
Location - Los Angeles, Calif.<br />
<br />
Review - <a href="http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/36110/Isis-Oceanic/" target=_blank>Sputnik Music</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Oceanic-Isis/dp/B000S57SOS/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/oceanic/id65690476" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Oceanic-Isis/dp/B00006IQHQ/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
<br />
So that's 3 straight albums with the exact same pattern - bought them, listened to them, liked them okay, and left them behind. But while reviewing for this very exact same list, came to appreciate them much more than ever before. <i>Oceanic</i> is a whole lot better than I had ever given it credit for - compared to my other, more preferred Isis albums (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/12/wavering-radiant-isis-3-2009.html" target=_blank>#3, 2009</a> & <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/04/panopticon-isis-3-2004.html" target=_blank>#3, 2004</a>). I think I ended up getting this one after those, and it's a bit rawer... so maybe I just never reached for <i>Oceanic</i> when I was in an Isis mood.<br />
<br />
[Note to self: write a 3,000-word post on the idea of artists peripheral to a given personal canon and how that leads to a more limited set of album(s) standing in for their whole oeuvres & even possibly entire styles.] "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUAhfyMf59s" target=_blank>Weight</a>" was a classic later, longer tune. And also, Isis was our <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/12/top-10-live-shows-of-2009.html" target=_blank>#5 Live Show of 2009</a>. Wish I could have caught them live more often. Here's this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pXAlbiAO2M" target=_blank>album opener live</a>.<br />
<br />
House of Low Culture (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/08/edwards-lament-house-of-low-culture-10.html" target=_blank>#10, 2003</a>) is like Tribes of Neurot of Isis: mostly singer-guitarist Aaron Turner, but this EP also features bassist Jeff Caxide.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHtpU4aABPI" target=_blank><i>Oceanic</i> full album stream</a>.<br />
For some reason, this EP is not on the <a href="http://houseoflowculture.bandcamp.com/" target=_blank>HOLC Bandcamp</a>.
<br />
<br />
FYI - 2002 was a huge year for post-rock (a favorite genre) with 3 major albums (that I've never owned): <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw6zTAKWGeo" target=_blank>Yanqui U.X.O.</a></i> by Godspeed You! Black Emperor, <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lWhuTwibjg" target=_blank>Source Code + Tags</a></i> by ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, <i><a href="http://soundcloud.com/constellation-records/sets/cst020/" target=_blank>& Yet & Yet</a></i> by Do Make Say Think.
<br /><br />
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<b>#6</b> <i>Yankee Hotel Foxtrot</i> - Wilco<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aSWRN6nJIZidt_QId00_FCG3q56ZEmj7jCmwNurxQhUUUh8C6pyGmjPc-LVAnjzGpg8Sr5grUIwyofEcsw5xxNVxd2di6vBLn6WXCPNJji1jX_l5AZUHK26T9yMrCE1mIAcQA4X5HrA/s1600/Yankee+Hotel+Foxtrot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aSWRN6nJIZidt_QId00_FCG3q56ZEmj7jCmwNurxQhUUUh8C6pyGmjPc-LVAnjzGpg8Sr5grUIwyofEcsw5xxNVxd2di6vBLn6WXCPNJji1jX_l5AZUHK26T9yMrCE1mIAcQA4X5HrA/s380/Yankee+Hotel+Foxtrot.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j2ykHinIPg" target=_blank>War on War</a> (live)" from <i>Yankee Hotel Foxtrot</i> (2002)<br />"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdKZQTfEGCk" target=_blank>Heavy Metal Drummer</a> (live)" from <i>Yankee Hotel Foxtrot</i> (2002)<br />
<br />
Genre - alt.country Noise-Pop Dad-Rock<br />
Official - <a href="http://wilcoworld.net/" target=_blank>wilcoworld.net/</a><br />
Location - Chicago, IL<br />
<br />
Review - <a href="http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2002/06/wilco-yankee-hotel-foxtrot.html" target=_blank>Paste Magazine</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001OGLSBE/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/yankee-hotel-foxtrot/id300981120" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005YXZH/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
<br />
I used to hear "California Stars" on KPFT, but I didn't really have any connection to Wilco. So I completely missed all the internet ruckus over all the label issues & release of this album. Where I finally discovered them was at the 1st ACL Fest in 2002 (<a href="http://wilcobase.com/event.php?event_key=48" target=_blank>setlist</a>). I still remember Jeff Tweedy's intro to "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NlfwxJzjAE" target=_blank>Jesus, Etc.</a>": "This song is about Jesus... the exclamation."
<br />
<br />
So far, Wilco's been looming around the edges of some Top 10's: <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/12/next-10-non-metal-of-2009.html" target=_blank>#12 of 2009</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/10/top-10-albums-of-2007.html" target=_blank>#13 of 2007</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-10-repertoire-of-2005.html" target=_blank>#9 Repertoire of 2005</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/01/honorable-mention-2011-not-so-bad.html" target=_blank>Honorable Mentions of 2011</a>, and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/01/best-live-music-of-2011-top-10-ish.html" target=_blank>#7 Live of 2011</a>. This album's definitely one of their best studio efforts. Nice try, boys! But seriously, though... because it's regularly considered one of the <a href="http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7710-the-top-200-albums-of-the-2000s-20-1/2/" target=_blank>best records of the 2000s</a>, just can't help but be overrated. Opener "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlxH9-TYseY" target=_blank>I am Trying to Break your Heart</a>" is iconic of a generally much less noisy-experimental real-band-with-a-singer-songwriter album; so much so that they named <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQoaP-dx5dk" target=_blank>a whole official documentary</a> after it. <I>YHF</I> covers a lot of ground: groover "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sICCvG4peps" target=_blank>I'm the Man who Loves You</a>," live-staple "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WN_PtfthJo" target=_blank>Ashes of American Flags</a>," droner-ballad "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OCFBPFrWDA" target=_blank>Poor Places</a>."
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaWhg5YGGSs" target=_blank>Full album stream</a>.
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<br />
Good record. It's no <i>Sons of Northern Darkness</i> though...
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<br />
<b>#5</b> <i>Sons of Northern Darkness</i> - Immortal<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgHWlY-ciCixFzrlir1DuAMVnv-Qjj-DiPaIZvYNyEh0KFtDpl6khj9Q6YDJ5WjWOXqsQAKAe859rBBTeYPD7QORC35LsohQIApvhe2knu7oXIho7UIuPG7lk2m8k9wGVbgQRIxEpvng/s1600/Sons+of+Northern+Darkness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgHWlY-ciCixFzrlir1DuAMVnv-Qjj-DiPaIZvYNyEh0KFtDpl6khj9Q6YDJ5WjWOXqsQAKAe859rBBTeYPD7QORC35LsohQIApvhe2knu7oXIho7UIuPG7lk2m8k9wGVbgQRIxEpvng/s380/Sons+of+Northern+Darkness.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BstHbbpq07s" target=_blank>Sons of Northern Darkness</a>" from <i>Sons of Northern Darkness</i> (2002)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh1zjnTc2MI" target=_blank>In My Kingdom Cold</a>" from <i>Sons of Northern Darkness</i> (2002)<br />
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Genre - Trve Kvlt Norwegian Black Metal<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.immortalofficial.com/" target=_blank>immortalofficial.com/</a><br />
Location - Bergen, Norway<br />
<br />
Review - <a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/Immortal/Sons_of_Northern_Darkness/241/" target=_blank><i>Encyclopaedia Metallum</i></a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sons-Northern-Darkness-Immortal/dp/B000R00FAI/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sons-of-northern-darkness/id193035170" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sons-Northern-Darkness-Immortal/dp/B00005V6QB/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
<br />
An easy <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/01/best-live-music-of-2011-top-10-ish.html" target=_blank>#1 Live Show of 2011</a>. "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUaFD4JFU8c" target=_blank>One by One</a>" was maybe kind of a weird single, but I don't know much about marketing Black Metal in the early-21st century. Just noticed that the official video's for a 3-minute single-edit version... which makes a bit more sense than the full 5-minute version. You know how everyone just looooves "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvqQve1dpOk" target=_blank>Tyrants</a>?" That's some rock & roll infusion into the ol' Black Metal orthodoxy - makes some people mad though. "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Uh8h_1Jgus" target=_blank>Antarctica</a>" ... is cold. You might even say 'grim & frostbitten.' Immortal fit in a lot of nice touches along with their outrageous pummeling - a weird guitar lead, some vocal special effects, whatever.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAlSKr5_XEo" target=_blank>Full <i>SOND</i> stream</a>.
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<br />
If interested in more 2002 Black Metal, maybe try Romanian band Negură Bunget's <i>'n Crugu Bradului</i> (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQdG2zbzusc" target=_blank>I</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKoghLdIB9g" target=_blank>II</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmXkG4Kcu6k" target=_blank>III</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOfL3Tvd6dM" target=_blank>IV</a>).
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<b>#4</b> <i>The Bootleg Series, Volume 5: Live 1975, The Rolling Thunder Revue</i> - Bob Dylan<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebK_bucmIEUYCcwWcAhDaH1xKFjZnatbHVaccnyJeo4TnBeyOZl7MDQ6MJ7ferlrI5SkbL1ujNHOsGI49HVFFFyV4L-WTskSK1SU2zFpzBlj4EtzUJw53zGesywC1khqHJAUA4ukC2H8/s1600/Bootleg+Series+Vol+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebK_bucmIEUYCcwWcAhDaH1xKFjZnatbHVaccnyJeo4TnBeyOZl7MDQ6MJ7ferlrI5SkbL1ujNHOsGI49HVFFFyV4L-WTskSK1SU2zFpzBlj4EtzUJw53zGesywC1khqHJAUA4ukC2H8/s380/Bootleg+Series+Vol+5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwSZvHqf9qM" target=_blank>Tangled Up In Blue</a>" from <i>Live 1975</i> (2002)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdxvoskzJ7I" target=_blank>Romance in Durango</a>," Live (1975)<br />
<br />
Genre - Mid-'70s Bob Dylan Live<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.bobdylan.com/" target=_blank>bobdylan.com/</a><br />
Location - America<br />
<br />
Review - <a href="http://www.tinymixtapes.com/music-review/bob-dylan-bootleg-series-vol-5-bob-dylan-live-1975" target=_blank>Tiny Mixtapes</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bootleg-series-vol.-5-live/id292026137" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bob-Dylan-Live-1975-Bootleg/dp/B00006NT3H/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
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The great Bob Dylan (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/02/oldest-top-10-ever-of-1966.html" target=_blank>#3 of 1966</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/01/top-20-albums-of-1969.html" target=_blank>#12 of 1969</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/07/top-10-records-of-1974.html" target=_blank>#5 of 1974</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/11/top-10-albums-of-1988.html" target=_blank>part of #9, 1988</a> and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/12/top-10-live-shows-of-2009.html" target=_blank>#6 Live of 2009</a>) at one of his occasional peaks. I'd consider this the best of the Bootleg Series - at least so far. This was famously a small-venue tour with a crackerjack band: Mick Ronson (The Spiders From Mars), Roger McGuinn (The Byrds), T-Bone Burnett, Bob Neuwirth, Rob Stoner & Howie Wyeth... also with Joan Baez and Ronee Blakeley.<br />
<br />
Copyright controls are keeping you from hearing more. I could only find this <a href="http://youtu.be/gP_nj5OcyDA?t=4m27s" target=_blank> partial video</a> of the mighty "Isis" (I guess to avoid YouTube security). You can stream a <a href="http://soundcloud.com/bobfan/bob-dylan-rolling-thunder" target=_blank>10/31/75 bootleg</a>, though. That tape probably gives a more accurate picture of a typical show, whereas the official release is more of a highlight reel.<br />
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Just look at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bootleg_Series_Vol._5:_Bob_Dylan_Live_1975,_The_Rolling_Thunder_Revue" target=_blank>that tracklist</a>!
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<b>#3</b> <i>Songs for the Deaf</i> - Queens of the Stone Age<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGLSGn0hO3RIcksI81e02aSIeV-KtOGiGZA5fdPszRNAdq4Dcu-Kai3ZBnjTbCGgc-ejNR-lahESVXkdx0tSxucou_woBqklhWCpZbtgW_TbvD4L0Zl2zYHMdBWkWQwF1WvDNIa5cT2E/s1600/Songs+for+the+Deaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGLSGn0hO3RIcksI81e02aSIeV-KtOGiGZA5fdPszRNAdq4Dcu-Kai3ZBnjTbCGgc-ejNR-lahESVXkdx0tSxucou_woBqklhWCpZbtgW_TbvD4L0Zl2zYHMdBWkWQwF1WvDNIa5cT2E/s380/Songs+for+the+Deaf.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s88r_q7oufE" target=_blank>No One Knows</a>" from <i>Songs for the Deaf</i> (2002)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcHKOC64KnE" target=_blank>Go With The Flow</a>" from <i>Songs for the Deaf</i> (2002)<br />
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Genre - Stoner-Pop<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.qotsa.com/" target=_blank>qotsa.com/</a><br />
Location - LA, CA<br />
<br />
Review - <a href="http://www.nme.com/reviews/queens-of-the-stone-age/6631" target=_blank><i>NME</i></a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Songs-For-Deaf-Explicit-Version/dp/B000VZIOCK/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/songs-for-the-deaf/id259362575" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006F83Y/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
<br />
Haven't talked too much about QOTSA - just <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/11/desert-sessions-09-10-06-03.html" target=_blank>#6 of 2003</a> (well, as Desert Sessions), plus <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/01/best-live-music-of-2011-top-10-ish.html" target=_blank>#6 Live of 2011</a>. I guess mainly since we're going backwards, and I dig the earliest stuff the most.
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<br />
Ummm, do you realize that maybe not everyone can pull Dave Grohl out of drumming retirement? The band at this point was Josh H., Nick O., Dave G., and Mark Lanegan. What?! Also, Dean Ween (see below) plays guitar on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlazNdkkZx4" target=_blank>three</a> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDPQc1QCWKs" target=_blank>tracks</a> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aE_3n9tU1_Q" target=_blank><b>here</b></a>. Mang. That last one 'here' (album closer) could not be further from "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v53CJNtibpo" target=_blank>You Think I Ain't Worth A Dollar, But I Feel Like A Millionaire</a>" (kick-off track). But that's what you got back when Nick was on the scene. Cool songs, bro!
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<br />
Although I want to go on record that I'm philosophically opposed to having skits on your album, at least Lux Interior was involved. Wikipedia is so useful! I'd totally forgotten about their cover of Roky Erickson's "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVTmxakLhmA" target=_blank>Bloody Hammer</a>" (from <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/12/top-10-albums-of-1980.html" target=_blank>#2, 1980</a>). Which they played live here in Houston, and after the show I ran into Nick, and commented on us Texans appreciating the Roky love. Pretty sure I didn't realize at the time that it was a vinyl bonus track for this album. <i>[Edit, 12/26: I was informed last weekend that Mondo Generator played that song live here in Houston, not QOTSA themselves.]</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVV_3Z1mp_c" target=_blank>Full album stream</a>.
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<br />
<b>#2</b> <i>Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots</i> + EP's - The Flaming Lips<br />
<i>Finally, The Punk Rockers Are Taking Acid</i> - The Flaming Lips<br />
<i>The Day They Shot A Hole in the Jesus Egg</i> - The Flaming Lips<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0iVLV_VYhf24ilcJ7aDGx5zF09DG1Ga4llIKYETYeWPDWwHt9S-0fag9tpcXAKEvkOncbhGu0-aVeGeS0V_anhrlNcIZA-AT5wCtBTYANMWoyab3VWe9rgp2_NqohEX8r6dAaF8vnIo/s1600/Yoshimi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0iVLV_VYhf24ilcJ7aDGx5zF09DG1Ga4llIKYETYeWPDWwHt9S-0fag9tpcXAKEvkOncbhGu0-aVeGeS0V_anhrlNcIZA-AT5wCtBTYANMWoyab3VWe9rgp2_NqohEX8r6dAaF8vnIo/s380/Yoshimi.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fye1XtXQn9s" target=_blank>Fight Test</a>" from <i>Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots</i> (2002)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTY3zh9sjeU" target=_blank>Do You Realize??</a>" from <i>Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots</i> (2002)<br />
<br />
Genre - Post-Indie Symphonic Electro-Pop<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.flaminglips.com/" target=_blank>flaminglips.com/</a><br />
Location - Oklahoma City, Okla.<br />
<br />
Review - <a href="http://www.avclub.com/review/the-flaming-lips-emyoshimi-battles-the-pink-robots-17261" target=_blank>The A/V Club</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Yoshimi-Battles-Pink-Robots-Version/dp/B00122MWU6/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/yoshimi-battles-pink-robots/id145124351" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Yoshimi-Battles-Pink-Robots-Flaming/dp/B000068PQ0/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
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Boasting a <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/11/flaming-lips-discograph.html" target=_blank>top-tier discography</a>, the Flaming Lips have already shown up on numerous Top 10's: <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/07/top-10-music-of-1987.html" target=_blank>#3 of 1987</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-10-records-of-1993.html" target=_blank>#1 of 1993</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/11/clouds-taste-metallic-1-1995-20-years_15.html" target=_blank>#1 of 1995 & #4 of 2006</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-10-repertoire-of-2005.html" target=_blank>#5 Repertoire of 2005</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/10/top-10-albums-of-2007.html" target=_blank>#11 of 2007</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/12/next-10-non-metal-of-2009.html" target=_blank>#13 of 2009</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/11/top-10-records-of-2006_01.html" target=_blank>co-#2 other/live of 2006</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2011/01/top-10-live-shows-of-2010.html" target=_blank>#8 Live of 2010</a>, and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/01/top-10-live-shows-of-2012.html" target=_blank>#6 Live of 2012</a>.<br />
<br />
I originally thought <i>Yoshimi</i> was a major step down after the previous album, with perhaps a bit too much electronical backings. Still a valid opinion, but I've gradually warmed to it more & more. "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWEnRi4P7O8" target=_blank>One More Robot / Sympathy 3000-21</a>" works like a lot of <i>The Soft Bulletin</i>, but with a very different approach.
<br /><br />
Although most of the <i>Yoshimi</i> EP's actually came out the following year, I'm going to consider them here. The <i>Fight Test</i> EP had the album opener, covers of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFREWbwgIMA" target=_blank>Kylie Minogue</a>, Beck (see above), and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxdUB43fgFA" target=_blank>Radiohead</a>, plus lots of others spread out over like nineteen EP versions. The <i>Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell</i> EP started off with 3 all-new, all-different tunes: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKhR7Anw6iw" target=_blank>Assassination of the Sun</a>," "I'm a Fly in a Sunbeam (Following the Funeral Procession of a Stranger)," and "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eIcee1wxBY" target=_blank>Sunship Balloons</a>," before even getting to the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeUJQvR7T0E" target=_blank>title track</a>. Oh, man, it would take forever to chronicle a few albums' worth of B-sides for all the various "Do You Realize??" and "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdDHi5SSIlM" target=_blank>Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1</a>" singles, and the later <i>Yoshimi Wins!</i> EP. Let's move on...<br />
<br />
2002 was also when the 1984-91 Restless album re-issue packages - <i>Finally, The Punk Rockers Are Taking Acid</i> and <i>The Day They Shot A Hole in the Jesus Egg</i> - were unleashed. More tons o' bonus tracks, I'll mention only two: <i>Finally</i>'s "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEjPXoJnCd4" target=_blank>After the Gold Rush</a>," from <i>The Bridge: A Tribute to Neil Young</i> benefit comp (1989). And <i>Jesus Egg</i>'s CD premiere of "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vc9uf1TMAc" target=_blank>Lucifer Rising</a>," originally on the <i>Unconsciously Screamin'</i> EP (1990).<br />
<br />
O yeah, this was where the Lips first won a Grammy: Best Rock Instrumental for "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fA_f2N1coc" target=_blank>Approaching Pavonis Mons by Balloon (Utopia Planitia)</a>." Internet tells me they've got 2 more since. (FYI - I'm pretty sure I saw Enik the Altrusian in that video.)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehSaXAfg-ck" target=_blank>Full <i>Yoshimi</i> album rip</a>.
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<b>#1</b> <i>Live at Stubb's, 7/2000</i> - Ween<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVwp7zHJP2c6YHDVLgzvE2TDXpSStsbRxxwi4dcvgJO654dYiUk8hW-b-1E2okF2G_aPHCjHN1NXpoYQ53KbdXX7XU5Nbc6v-jyLtENqshxGUeVVhs1QWPKKFYC5vuM3nQ8TVd61FvDI/s1600/Live+at+Stubbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVwp7zHJP2c6YHDVLgzvE2TDXpSStsbRxxwi4dcvgJO654dYiUk8hW-b-1E2okF2G_aPHCjHN1NXpoYQ53KbdXX7XU5Nbc6v-jyLtENqshxGUeVVhs1QWPKKFYC5vuM3nQ8TVd61FvDI/s380/Live+at+Stubbs.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n78WlBpH7I" target=_blank>A Tear for Eddie</a>" from <i>Live at Stubb's, 7/2000</i> (2002)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQnrnjuEjww" target=_blank>L.M.L.Y.P.</a>" Live at Stubb's (7/2000)<br />
<br />
Genre - Ween Live<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.ween.com/" target=_blank>ween.com/</a><br />
Location - New Hope, Penn.<br />
<br />
Review - <a href="http://www.markprindle.com/weena.htm#live" target=_blank>Mark Prindle</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/live-at-stubbs-7-2000-live/id657104804" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Live-at-Stubbs-7-2000/dp/B0011Y9RXA/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
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As you may have heard, I enjoy the band Ween: <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/12/top-10-releases-of-1990.html" target=_blank>#1 of 1990</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/08/top-10-albums-of-1996.html" target=_blank>#1 of 1996</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/11/quebecall-request-live-ween-3-2003.html" target=_blank>#3 of 2003</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-10-repertoire-of-2005.html" target=_blank>#1 Archival of 2005</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/10/top-10-albums-of-2007.html" target=_blank>#15 of 2007</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/11/top-10-records-of-2006_01.html" target=_blank>co-#2 other/live of 2006</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2011/01/top-10-live-shows-of-2010.html" target=_blank>#2 Live of 2010</a>, and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/01/best-live-music-of-2011-top-10-ish.html" target=_blank>#5 Live of 2011</a>. Those live rankings might be another hint - they have been a great live band <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ97-8kdeEo" target=_blank>for many years</a>. (Hehe, I was <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-vkUDuaM2k" target=_blank>at this show</a> too. Houston!) Okay, Stubb's BBQ of Austin, TX - somewhat of a second home for them - I think this live document ranks among their best of all time. And that's some tough competition.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZOkRhufCrA" target=_blank>Full album stream</a>.<br />
<br />
And you can stream or D/L both epic shows: <a href="http://archive.org/details/Ween2000-07-07" target=_blank>07/07</a> & <a href="http://archive.org/details/Ween2000-07-08" target=_blank>07/08</a>.
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Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-80718388594744135932013-12-15T15:14:00.001-06:002013-12-15T15:14:54.620-06:00Top 10 Albums of 1980This Top 10 list is fraught with conflict and confusion. The two acknowledged masterpieces that I've literally never owned, and which would be fundamentally dishonest to include: Joy Division's <i><a href="http://www.markprindle.com/joy.htm#closer" target=_blank>Closer</a></i> and Talking Heads' <i><a href="http://www.markprindle.com/talkinga.htm#remain" target=_blank>Remain in Light</a></i>. A few albums that I have owned (and enjoyed) in the past, but could never ever ever really be considered Top 10 material - & certainly not here: Rush's <i><a href="http://www.markprindle.com/rusha.htm#permanent" target=_blank>Permanent Waves</a></i>, Steely Dan's <i><a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/gaucho-19810205" target=_blank>Gaucho</a></i>, Genesis' <i><a href="http://www.progarchives.com/album-reviews.asp?id=1516" target=_blank>Duke</a></i>... Yikes!<br />
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I could have easily picked a couple of metal classics: AC/DC's <i>Back in Black</i> and Judas Priest's <i>British Steel</i> - but instead went with hardcore, because that’s where my heart lies.<br />
<br />
Except for, y'know...
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<b>#10</b> Peter Gabriel (a.k.a. "3" - a.k.a. "Melt")<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnivWuuSB8DDoxUmBdMWskYuNQbi2bLR8vSDZ4cQp-_dKaJdTlj-ugf8_NWi-9YtmKvSjaoHywWIVDJqQUslx45qUaZeYS_hoponLihDUfdX1UwbEI2qzD37q7zma-UWR1vUO9Z5Gf01M/s1600/Melt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnivWuuSB8DDoxUmBdMWskYuNQbi2bLR8vSDZ4cQp-_dKaJdTlj-ugf8_NWi-9YtmKvSjaoHywWIVDJqQUslx45qUaZeYS_hoponLihDUfdX1UwbEI2qzD37q7zma-UWR1vUO9Z5Gf01M/s380/Melt.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzdqXlmDSIo" target=_blank>No Self Control</a>" from <i>Peter Gabriel</i> (1980)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbwQ0Wy3ljQ" target=_blank>Not One of Us</a>" from <i>Peter Gabriel</i> (1980)<br />
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Genre - Futuro Off-World Synth-Artpop<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.petergabriel.com/" target=_blank>petergabriel.com/</a><br />
Location - Chobham, Surrey<br />
<br />
Review - <a href="http://www.markprindle.com/gabriel.htm#peter3" target=_blank>Mark Prindle</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Peter-Gabriel-3-Melt-Remastered/dp/B0043XUXS4/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/peter-gabriel-3-melt-remastered/id343332946" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Peter-Gabriel-3-Melt/dp/B003ZZAXFO/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
<br />
Look at me, rejecting Genesis (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/04/top-10-albums-of-1973.html" target=_blank>#7, 1973</a>) while honoring their former lead weirdo (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-40-top-40-songs-of-1982.html" target=_blank>#8 Top 40, 1982</a>), with Phil Collins and John freaking Giblin in tow. Kate Bush sings on sillysong "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xZmlUV8muY" target=_blank>Games Without Frontiers</a>," Paul Weller of The Jam (see #9) guitars on "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDHpbZ_0n6E" target=_blank>And Through the Wire</a>." With the recent death of Nelson Mandela, let's also take the chance to remember <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Biko" target=_blank>Stephen Biko</a>. Anyway, I've only ever owned this one on cassette tape, so my recent listening has been limited to such access.
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-4LtuAZrNc" target=_blank>Full album</a>!
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<b>#9</b> <i>Sound Affects</i> - The Jam<br />
+ the "Going Underground / Dreams of Children" single<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTUSEtt74xkliUZfy01wWuWKQkbYOsWJo_k0x7SDFvFwa2UKcRyYmHj0CuPFTTDZzOg78z3aYK7Xffb9BwjtO_nDfjaEiWpTgC1vj5lzORigs6EFEVeom4yxFj03WVXd1nurn6HmHvgw/s1600/Sound+Affects." imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTUSEtt74xkliUZfy01wWuWKQkbYOsWJo_k0x7SDFvFwa2UKcRyYmHj0CuPFTTDZzOg78z3aYK7Xffb9BwjtO_nDfjaEiWpTgC1vj5lzORigs6EFEVeom4yxFj03WVXd1nurn6HmHvgw/s380/Sound+Affects.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-H0uIH5HHQ" target=_blank>That's Entertainment</a>" from <i>Sound Affects</i> (1980)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE1ct5yEuVY" target=_blank>Going Underground</a>" from the 7" single (1980)<br />
<br />
Genre - Post-punk Mod-pop<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.thejamfan.net/" target=_blank>thejamfan.net/</a><br />
Location - Woking, Surrey<br />
<br />
Review - <a href="http://www.markprindle.com/jam.htm#sound" target=_blank>Prindle</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sound-Affects-Remastered-Version-The/dp/B0029OPJ9M/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sound-affects-remastered/id315607873" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sound-Affects-Jam/dp/B000006TZB/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
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Tops of The Jam, both album-wise & popular single-wise. Great band that merged Britpunk, the '60s mod thing, rock & roll, and increasingly Northern Soul and R&B. This middle period was a real good balance between the extremes. The album includes especially Beatlesque hit "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI8AOkbfgNE" target=_blank>Start!</a>" (plus lotsa deep cuts) - and the single had the B-side hit "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK2UahaiKKU" target=_blank>Dreams of Children</a>." Super-Rickenbacker action! (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OUOCxtGyxw&list=PLKQnbac1DpLWu5icH2ICL_5nvaN82RPQE" target=_blank>Album playlist here</a>.)
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<b>#8</b> <i>Underwater Moonlight</i> - The Soft Boys<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaC0_ZfOM5NVWC3vHEfAbQJRg2y7iVncEWaZnOzfCFviiQdbaH0ykKuzha4S_MmgcdxSJGHAfXsVzlEZGQEY2w04YislfOKHqRCtHrYK9KHjwmxggscLTsCNMNGetObfPfBwp94fzJSo/s1600/Underwater+Moonlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaC0_ZfOM5NVWC3vHEfAbQJRg2y7iVncEWaZnOzfCFviiQdbaH0ykKuzha4S_MmgcdxSJGHAfXsVzlEZGQEY2w04YislfOKHqRCtHrYK9KHjwmxggscLTsCNMNGetObfPfBwp94fzJSo/s380/Underwater+Moonlight.jpg" /></a></div>
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"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFNZMwhFoJ0" target=_blank>I Wanna Destroy You</a>" from <i>Underwater Moonlight</i> (1980)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I55t3-Q4aLo" target=_blank>Queen of Eyes</a>" from <i>Underwater Moonlight</i> (1980)<br />
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Genre - New Weird Britain Pubnk-Rock<br />
Wikipedia - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Soft_Boys" target=_blank>The_Soft_Boys</a><br />
Location - Cambridge, Cambridgeshire<br />
<br />
Review - <a href="http://sfloman.com/softboys.html" target=_blank>Scott Floman</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Underwater-Moonlight-The-Soft-Boys/dp/B0041QL6H0/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/underwater-moonlight/id390659172" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Underwater-Moonlight-Soft-Boys/dp/B0040MGPF8/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
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This is all getting pretty British, eh? Like Robyn Hitchcock (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/01/best-live-music-of-2011-top-10-ish.html" target=_blank>#10 Live, 2011</a>) next-level stuff. People mostly seem to gravitate towards threateningly jittery "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j45sakJOj_E" target=_blank>Insanely Jealous</a>," but the sunnier "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Alh34O8xbv8" target=_blank>Positive Vibrations</a>" is another way to go (regardless of sarcasm/irony).<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Sq7bmFJlz8" target=_blank>Original LP stream</a>. Also: it doesn't technically count, but the fantastic 1981 single "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GQhi_1xNDQ" target=_blank>Only the Stones Remain</a>" (and a lot besides) are included as bonus tracks on the Matador re-release edition. Yup!
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<b>#7</b> <i>Group Sex</i> - Circle Jerks<br />
<i>Jealous Again</i> EP - Black Flag<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70zCsgK6rBLhoXKGpvRrcObsqRoYEdvSDoiMcnR3pnBYmba8uVPcC_yIEn8Gi7MEwZi_nUro1VXfKNmZESy5l7Wi6WvTmYERp0kHEkI3mlQ7dq26yg4j3o6K0RXRDhUX2q9yafJ5NXZo/s1600/Jealous+Again.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70zCsgK6rBLhoXKGpvRrcObsqRoYEdvSDoiMcnR3pnBYmba8uVPcC_yIEn8Gi7MEwZi_nUro1VXfKNmZESy5l7Wi6WvTmYERp0kHEkI3mlQ7dq26yg4j3o6K0RXRDhUX2q9yafJ5NXZo/s380/Jealous+Again.jpg" /></a></div>
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"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YNfvl_qhVE" target=_blank>World Up My Ass</a>" from <i>Group Sex</i> (1980)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSTPTQ0wa5c" target=_blank>White Minority</a>" from <i>Jealous Again</i> EP (1980)<br />
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Genre - U.S. Hardcore Punk<br />
Official/Myspace - <a href="http://myspace.com/circlejerks" target=_blank>myspace.com/circlejerks</a><br />
Location - Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.<br />
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Review - <a href="http://www.markprindle.com/circlea.htm" target=_blank>Prindle on Jerks</a>, <a href="http://www.markprindle.com/blackfaa.htm#jeal" target=_blank>... on Flag</a><br />
Download (CJ) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Group-Sex-Circle-Jerks/dp/B003W5J290/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/group-sex/id81334397" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Download (BF) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jealous-Again-Black-Flag/dp/B000QZY8DO/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/jealous-again-ep/id117618263" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase (CJ) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Group-Sex-Circle-Jerks/dp/B000008EBJ/" target=_blank>Amazon</a> / (BF) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jealous-Again-Vinyl-Black-Flag/dp/B000000LYS/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
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U.S.A. Maybe you didn't grow up on American Hardcore - I did. These two were in-disp-... de-spin... CORE! To be fair & honest, I got into <i>Jealous Again</i> as part of CDG's cassette tape of <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7tiPqDszYI" target=_blank>First Four Years</a></i> (1983) - awesome. And you can really party along to either or both, like a session. FYI - the average song length on these two albums is 1 minute 9 seconds - awesome!!
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<i>Group Sex</i> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOgOcZmBkak" target=_blank>full album</a>. <i>Jealous Again</i> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbfbkGV57FA" target=_blank>full EP</a>.
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<b>#6</b> <i>Ace of Spades</i> - Motörhead<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9K3VsuTGe_aS_oWCqaFHbrZN3rROPHltAz6W3zYyv9jvpcLJYNzW9Xw8FchEuGiHH_q49rlooxRiWn4Q8FkvOiJ4Z7E6slsNvzxXq2rhyaC11pAiM-tjtutEjLvgjmsBEV5uDS-9rN0/s1600/Ace+of+Spades.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9K3VsuTGe_aS_oWCqaFHbrZN3rROPHltAz6W3zYyv9jvpcLJYNzW9Xw8FchEuGiHH_q49rlooxRiWn4Q8FkvOiJ4Z7E6slsNvzxXq2rhyaC11pAiM-tjtutEjLvgjmsBEV5uDS-9rN0/s380/Ace+of+Spades.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO1jkh9lacs" target=_blank>Ace of Spades</a>" from <i>Ace of Spades</i> (1980)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmkxZEft68k" target=_blank>Shoot You in the Back</a>" from <i>Ace of Spades</i> (1980)<br />
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Genre - Müh Music<br />
Official - <a href="http://imotorhead.com/" target=_blank>imotorhead.com/</a><br />
Location - London, England, U.K.<br />
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Review - <a href="http://www.markprindle.com/motorhead.htm#ace" target=_blank>Prindle</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ace-Of-Spades-Motorhead/dp/B00150UA2W/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ace-of-spades/id274930859" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ace-Spades-Motorhead/dp/B00005NHO2/" target=_blank>Amazön</a><br />
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Okay, look, the title track is like indisputably one of the greatest rock songs of all time, mang. So it's a huge part of why this one's here. But the whole album is really strong - just don't expect a dozen at that exactly same high level.<br />
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O yeah, I was bummed that Motörhead cancelled their Houston set at the recent package tour - only went to see them, and found out once we got there. But fortunately, I did see them at <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_0pTuYCJD0" target=_blank>WrestleMania X-Seven</a> (2001), and I'm still really glad that I got to see <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgJhKss8OZM" target=_blank>Ween cover "Ace of Spades"</a> in Tulsa, Okla., of all places. Super-Rickenbacker action!<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVecmhNYbuQ" target=_blank>Full album</a>, yesss!
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<b>#5</b> <i>Red Exposure</i> - Chrome<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasXOmirwv-HsAWAZLy5th2GYbuuq5mVbyQw0mCtMsr7LJtjFnA7jNjmPx25-aWVT4AYpAJIdzzJjC04-1S0yfgGNdWMU51BMuOICyVnLcAi9Z_hW7qiHNPr7Xk9tHR0z1Ot0XqsYYLB4/s1600/Red+Exposure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasXOmirwv-HsAWAZLy5th2GYbuuq5mVbyQw0mCtMsr7LJtjFnA7jNjmPx25-aWVT4AYpAJIdzzJjC04-1S0yfgGNdWMU51BMuOICyVnLcAi9Z_hW7qiHNPr7Xk9tHR0z1Ot0XqsYYLB4/s380/Red+Exposure.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FBGd7vf0e0" target=_blank>New Age</a>" from <i>Red Exposure</i> (1980)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MqV-1oVRgo" target=_blank>Electric Chair</a>" from <i>Red Exposure</i> (1980)<br />
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Genre - Weirdo Nü-Rave<br />
Official(???) - <a href="http://www.staticwhitesound.com/chrome/News.htm" target=_blank>staticwhitesound.com/</a><br />
Location - San Francisco, California, U.S.A.<br />
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Review - <a href="http://www.markprindle.com/chrome.htm#red" target=_blank>Prindle</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Red-Exposure-Chrome/dp/B001E6UO96/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/red-exposure/id287526545" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Red-Exposure-Chrome/dp/B004TRKGTU/" target=_blank>Amazone</a><br />
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Not every tune completely drops the hammer, but even some of the noisescapes are pretty cool. And hell, I just really dig Chrome so much. Whenever I talk about "weirdo music," Chrome might be the true originator of what I'm talking about - people trying to make good art / good music, but just too weird to not make it 20x more interesting than intended.
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVjJTnj1z-Y" target=_blank>Full album</a> of Chrome.
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<b>#4</b> <i>Snockgrass</i> - Michael Hurley<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAAxW1KXUJYz9n1JpjcivO1t5g8Pt0-C60MrrpGvg0QlsyMbGbzTIQHRp7SK3QVsM9IVTblKkspVH9sFQHhRaGH8QkM7H6-xYmWLOhMmQRuS3j7YUOyGdbrFEd6cjpLwFhEvA1TesJfI/s1600/Snockgrass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAAxW1KXUJYz9n1JpjcivO1t5g8Pt0-C60MrrpGvg0QlsyMbGbzTIQHRp7SK3QVsM9IVTblKkspVH9sFQHhRaGH8QkM7H6-xYmWLOhMmQRuS3j7YUOyGdbrFEd6cjpLwFhEvA1TesJfI/s380/Snockgrass.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duX6ahXpJI8" target=_blank>Tia Marie</a>" from <i>Snockgrass</i> (1980)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik9RntCz6_k" target=_blank>I’m Getting Ready to Go</a>" from <i>Snockgrass</i> (1980)<br />
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Genre - Mountain-Folk Old/Weird Americana<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.snockonews.net/" target=_blank>snockonews.net/</a><br />
Location - Vermont? (maybe?)<br />
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Review - <a href="http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=Michael+Hurley" target=_blank>Robert Christgau</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Snockgrass-Michael-Hurley/dp/B0010TBUE0/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Snockgrass-Michael-Hurley/dp/B00000032G/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
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Man, do these tunes get stuck in my head. Hurley's down-real folk hits home, in a way that your mileage may vary - but this one is seriously most excellent. Check it: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TzhOiMudFI" target=_blank>O My Stars</a>." Not that I can't imagine ol' Michael doing old-timey covers, but I would have totally believed that both "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU0ZEMYsCpA" target=_blank>I Heard the Voice of a Porkchop</a>" (<a href="http://www.earlyblues.com/Essay%20-%20I%20Heard%20The%20Voice%20of%20a%20Pork%20Chop.htm" target=_blank>the story</a>) and "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDDpEHAeWvo" target=_blank>You Gonna Look Like A Monkey</a>" were Hurley originals. Nope!<br />
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The CD edition includes a couple o' bonus tracks: an alt. take of <i>Have Moicy!</i> (1976) tune "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouoQ1DIVi2Q" target=_blank>Sweet Lucy</a>," and "<a href="http://vimeo.com/71172964" target=_blank>Grapefruit Juice Blues</a>."<br />
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Finding songs from this one was extremely difficult, but the worst offense was a lack of "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrS3sdoGgG8" target=_blank>Automatic Slim & The Fatboys</a>" (<a href="http://secretsevenrecords.typepad.com/the_history_of_automatic_/" target=_blank>the story</a>). So I made that 'video' - click it!!
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<b>#3</b> <i>Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables</i> - Dead Kennedys<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzz6jH30dO0g_8spWXQpeecotJdQE927RSMbjpSa58z-rulzNFGqfmnTNAG8SacDKf27xywuMPjPAnWalsesWSRJhY8BKCRUGfyroOfrrJ9y9WLpRp35w3skyXse6h71WdvJtXtzRYveA/s1600/Fresh+Fruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzz6jH30dO0g_8spWXQpeecotJdQE927RSMbjpSa58z-rulzNFGqfmnTNAG8SacDKf27xywuMPjPAnWalsesWSRJhY8BKCRUGfyroOfrrJ9y9WLpRp35w3skyXse6h71WdvJtXtzRYveA/s380/Fresh+Fruit.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49j6FYBDunM" target=_blank>Holiday in Cambodia</a>" from <i>Fresh Fruit ...</i> (1980)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIqESwzCGg4" target=_blank>California Über Alles</a>" from <i>... for Rotting Vegetables</i> (1980)<br />
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Genre - Left-wing Socio-political Surf-punk<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.deadkennedys.com/" target=_blank>deadkennedys.com/</a><br />
Location - San Francisco, California, U.S.A.<br />
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Review - <a href="http://www.markprindle.com/deadkena.htm#fresh" target=_blank>Prindle</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Rotting-Vegetables-Digital-Version/dp/B000ZEDDA0/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fresh-fruit-for-rotting-vegetables/id205889948" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Fruit-Rotting-Vegetables-Kennedys/dp/B000A2H2QI/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
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OK, for real, this was a transformative album for the 15-year-old me. I bought the import (red notch) CD at, I'm sure, the Town & Country Mall. For better or worse, a LOT of what I am today can be laid at the feet of DK's. While maybe not technically quite as good as <i>Frankenchrist</i> (1985), this is kinda ground zero for... me. "What big business wants, big business gets, it wants a war." Seriously.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3VXiyS6zl0" target=_blank>Full album</a>, punk!
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<b>#2</b> <i>I Think Of Demons</i> ("The Evil One") - Roky Erickson<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xFJlFcI9BxJwkLdKAF-pJ4DHr9L9vquMBakIU8HjlCWoJbjyhCmXLICYqrwL_R9WwRygB5Bg-TsjHGNbO1kYG0htPJh-G0hQS4zhidIXv4bjZnsXWwSHoTHvRrUzsHeSA9cswxBFyS6T/s1600-h/Roky+Evil+One.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 380px; height: 369px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xFJlFcI9BxJwkLdKAF-pJ4DHr9L9vquMBakIU8HjlCWoJbjyhCmXLICYqrwL_R9WwRygB5Bg-TsjHGNbO1kYG0htPJh-G0hQS4zhidIXv4bjZnsXWwSHoTHvRrUzsHeSA9cswxBFyS6T/s400/Roky+Evil+One.jpg" border="0" alt="The Evil One"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396238749490350674" /></a><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzRmJtn0zP0" target=_blank>Two Headed Dog</a>" from <i>The Evil One</i> (1980)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YI08cLWCHA" target=_blank>Bloody Hammer</a>" from <i>The Evil One</i> (1980)<br />
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Genre - Real Horrorshow<br />
Official - <a href="http://rokyerickson.net/" target=_blank>rokyerickson.net/</a><br />
Location - Austin, TX, Texas<br />
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Review - <a href="http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/18452-roky-erickson-the-evil-one-dont-slander-me-gremlins-have-pictures/" target=_blank>Pitchfork</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-evil-one/id678605638" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Evil-One-Roky-Erickson/dp/B00DR7B3W2/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
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I wanted to... tried to... but unfortunately, this had to come up second. What the Dead Kennedys were to 15-year-old me, Roky Erickson was to 17-year-old me. And <i>The Evil One</i> was pretty much the same as <i>Fresh Fruit</i> - a whole new world to inhabit. Roky's like basically one of my favorite people of all time in the whole world (unlike, say, Jello). He's been there all the way since the <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/02/oldest-top-10-ever-of-1966.html" target=_blank>#1 Record of 1966</a> through the <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/01/top-10-live-shows-of-2012.html" target=_blank>#4 Live Show of 2012</a>.
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There are so many interpretations of this album, but I suggest <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7aLXehSXAo&list=ALGLx1orRGw4XqVm7za6CzJ8AuvQ2F5AWl" target=_blank>this YouTube playlist</a> for my ideal.
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<b>#1</b> <i>Sandinista!</i>/<i>Black Market Clash</i> - The Clash<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdBjGFjTD8mwAXLfiZhHslw4nmklSOTVsJLxc5hibiu7XwSCXWn-NQ6-5qICCzbOn58EaSZEm8ir0HX7NohUZClpH8qNud9YRnz5ieCW08Ceh2Y7hymgKrpqVAxMVdFCMlgcEndqhngQ/s1600/Sandinista.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdBjGFjTD8mwAXLfiZhHslw4nmklSOTVsJLxc5hibiu7XwSCXWn-NQ6-5qICCzbOn58EaSZEm8ir0HX7NohUZClpH8qNud9YRnz5ieCW08Ceh2Y7hymgKrpqVAxMVdFCMlgcEndqhngQ/s380/Sandinista.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swD_az3nOpc" target=_blank>Police On My Back</a>" from <i>Sandinista!</i> (1980)<br />
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3yJMzIL7VI" target=_blank>Pressure Drop</a>" from <i>Black Market Clash</i> (1980)<br />
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Genre - English Dub-Punk<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.theclash.com/" target=_blank>theclash.com/</a><br />
Location - London, England, U.K.<br />
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Review - <a href="http://www.markprindle.com/clasha.htm#sand" target=_blank>Prindle</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sandinista-The-Clash/dp/B00EQRLURK/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sandinista!/id684746326" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sandinista-Clash/dp/B00004BZ16/" target=_blank>Amazon</a><br />
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Holy crap! What a massive dump of simply everything. All those complaints about <i>Sandinista!</i> being just too much are completely ludicrous. I did a little analysis, and there's at least a 5-to-1 quality-to-filler ratio (on a triple-album for the price of one). And the good stuff is really, really good. I completely love this: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-87n3yiq68" target=_blank>Something About England</a>." It's a deep, deep, deep dive. There's almost literally always something next. O yeah, <i>BMC</i> is a bunch of early-Clash singles & non-album cuts - y'think that might be good? It is... very good.<br />
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So much of this list is my adolescence / high school, but fortunately I discovered the more obscure Clash after that period. <i>Sandinista!</i> would not have fit into my HS listening habits the way their self-titled debut (the US-version cassette) did so seamlessly. They're the last of my <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/09/top-10-discography-list.html" target=_>top-tier discographies</a> left to be written - but have only appeared in annual lists for the <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-40-top-40-songs-of-1982.html" target=_blank>#9 & #11 Top 40 hits of 1982</a>.<br />
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Uhhh, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COZY27cBR2I&list=PLBF4804BC06EF937E" target=_blank>try this</a> - and good luck with <i>Black Market Clash</i>! There's some mid-'90s re-super-sized version that came out later. But y'know, whatever...<br />
<br />Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-18760219116259255792013-12-13T20:58:00.000-06:002013-12-13T21:03:21.863-06:00More of Unknown PsychistsThe annual <a href="https://soundcloud.com/reverberationappreciation/apf-2014-official-mixtape-by" target=_blank>official APF Al Lover mixtape</a> will do a better job than me - but unfortunately, not yet downloadable. Whyyy???<br />
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<iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/124069381&color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=true"></iframe>
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Okay, let's 'finish' (?) the work started in previous 2014 Psych Fest <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/12/finally-austin-psych-fest-2014.html" target=_blank>Big Names</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/12/austin-psych-favorites.html" target=_blank>Stuff For Me</a>, and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/12/unknown-psych-festives-explored.html" target=_blank>Unknowns I</a> posts. This shall be: Unknowns II... I'm sure I still haven't covered some.
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"30 Past 7" by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, from <i>Float Along - Fill Your Lungs</i> (2013)<br />
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'Stralia! Well, in one post we've gone from unorthodox Psych Fest participants to perhaps a prototypical one. Nice selection scheme by me! Here's another official video: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zek3a86L-Vc" target=_blank>Head On/Pill</a>" and <a href="http://kinggizzardandthelizardwizard.com/music" target=_blank>their Bandcamp-ish page</a>.
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"Lucifernandis " by Boogarins, from <i>As Plantas Que Curam</i> (2013)<br />
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I've generally liked the modern psych rock coming out of South America, and this sounds to me good & hippie. Here's another official video: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwEF8KtmyMU" target=_blank>Despreocupar</a>."
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"These Days" by Lorelle Meets The Obsolete, from <i>On Welfare</i> (2011)<br />
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Guadalajara, Mex. Just like <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/11/mexico-psych-out.html" target=_blank>Has A Shadow</a>, but different music. Here's another official (?) video: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zek3a86L-Vc" target=_blank>What's Holding You?</a>" Little more rockin' one there... and <a href="http://obsoletelorelle.bandcamp.com/" target=_blank>their Bandcamp</a>.
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"No Place to Go" by The Oscillation, from <i>From Tomorrow</i> (2013)<br />
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I have a feeling I might be going to catch this band. Check out their <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/theoscillation/videos" target=_blank>YouTube channel</a> for more official videos, going back a full 6 years! (TAFKA The Orichalc Phase). Waitasecond! I'd actually heard this one song before: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwEF8KtmyMU" target=_blank>Saturn 5</a>" (live). Here's <a href="http://theoscillation.bandcamp.com/" target=_blank>their Bandcamp</a> as well.
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"Trouba" by Steve Gunn, from <i>On A Steady Diet of Hash, Bread, and Salt</i> compilation (2012)<br />
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That's from a <a href="http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Soundeyet/On_A_Steady_Diet_of_Hash_Bread__Salt" target=_blank>free download comp</a> of Greek folk covers. I've seen this guy's name around some, and would have associated it with free-/freak-folk - so far, so good! Bandcamp's are mostly from various labels: <a href="http://paradiseofbachelors.bandcamp.com/album/time-off" target=_blank>Paradise of Bachelors</a>, <a href="http://threelobed.bandcamp.com/album/ocean-parkway" target=_blank>Three Lobed Recordings</a>, and <a href="http://threelobed.bandcamp.com/album/boerum-palace" target=_blank>3-Lobed again</a>.
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"Lithonia " by Circuit des Yeux, from <i>Overdue</i> (2013)<br />
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Indiana, huh? I've lived there! Here's <a href="http://circuitdesyeux.bandcamp.com/" target=_blank>their Bandcamp</a>. Like all Indiana bands, since I wrote that first sentence, they've now relocated to Chicago.
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"Livin' Free" by The Young, from <i>Dub Egg</i> (2012)<br />
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Is this the right The Young? That's one ungoogleable band name. Here's another official video: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgG2o3Kfd4c" target=_blank>Dance with the Ramblers</a>." Ah, just noticed they're from Austin, TX. Okay, cool.
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"Redness Moon" by Fantasmes, from <i>Redness Moon</i> (2012)<br />
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Because of geography, I was going to guess Mexico (again), but they're from Puerto Rico. This does not make me racist! So... here's another official (?) video: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaZdPWg6R0c" target=_blank>Play It Wrong</a>," and <a href="http://fantasmes.bandcamp.com/" target=_blank>their Bandcamp</a>.
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"Zo No Senaka" by Kikagaku Moyo, from <i>Kikagaku Moyo</i> (2013)<br />
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<i><b>[***very NSFW <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-holy-mountain-jodorowsky-1973.html" target=_blank>Jodorowsky film</a> video***]</b></i><br />
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Hey, I guessed Japan correctly!! <a href="http://geometricpatterns.bandcamp.com/" target=_blank>Bandcamp</a>!<br />
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Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-26687593549884908372013-12-12T17:21:00.000-06:002013-12-12T17:21:07.904-06:00Up In Flames - Manitoba/Caribou (#1, 2003)All references to Manitoba are explained by <a href="http://exclaim.ca/Features/OnTheCover/caribou-math_psychedelia_ass_named_handsome" target=_blank>this ridiculous lawsuit</a> and the resulting name change. The next couple of Caribou albums (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/10/andorra-caribou-4-2007.html" target=_blank>#4, 2007</a> and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/05/milk-of-human-krautness.html" target=_blank>the Krauty one</a>) were good & quite different music.<br />
<br />
I saw Manitoba on this tour, with many of these videos projected behind the live band. I remember it being great, but I remain frustrated that I cannot remember who the headliner was.
I believe all of the official videos are contained on the <i><a href="http://theleaflabel.net/buy/marino-the-videos/" target=_blank>Marino</a></i> DVD+EP release (2005).<br />
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Also in general, Manitoba/Caribou is/was one individual guy (except live): Ontarian of Canadia Dan Snaith.
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"I've Lived on a Dirt Road All My Life" from <i>Up In Flames</i> (2003)<br />
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Analogous to a lot of '60s pop, especially Brian Wilson (Teenage Symphonies to God & palette) and Phil Spector (Wall of Sound & drumbreaks). Even the pastoral interludes that would have been experimental nature field recordings way-back-when, but are handled electronically here.<br />
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Inserting relevant YouTube comments. I'm gonna skip the endless arguments about the acceptability of applying the Caribou name to these songs... in YouTube comments!<br />
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<blockquote>
such a great song--and the video makes it look like they are tripping in the 80s?? its boring <b>-otacon451</b>
</blockquote>
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"Skunks" from <i>Up In Flames</i> (2003)<br />
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The first of a few song titles that are animalses. Later there will come "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqdQGdf8ado" target=_blank>Bees</a>" and "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cLQhdAcYFA" target=_blank>Hammerheads</a>." Splashy cymbals and freak-out saxophone, maybe a bit o' theremin.<br />
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<blockquote>
PRETTY sure this song is sampling a Bubble Puppy song. ''A gathering of promises'' <b>-AlabamaManWhore</b>
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"Hendrix with KO" from <i>Up In Flames</i> (2003)<br />
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Bah bah bah... I think I might have had an album by this Koushik guest star - but I don’t remember connecting him with Manitoba.<br />
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<blockquote>
THEY'RE ALL TRIPPIN' BALLS. <b>-keith0rz</b>
</blockquote>
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"Jacknuggeted" from <i>Up In Flames</i> (2003)<br />
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The song title makes me think of drugs. I can't tell what the whispered vocals remind me of. Something else.<br />
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<blockquote>
The insturmental chorus sounds like love feels; beautiful synthesesia:) <b>-dvdgrwtz</b>
</blockquote>
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Then comes brief interlude "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvJ05A65lSY" target=_blank>Why the Long Face</a>?"
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"Bijoux" from <i>Up In Flames</i> (2003)<br />
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It's got kind of a marchy martial feel, and with more blaring (but melodic) sax, I'm thinking of Albert Ayler. Well, except for the electro-tinkling breaks. "Bijoux" and other similar nonsense words also <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7Oe1DN5VDA" target=_blank>get recycled</a> later on.<br />
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<blockquote>
alucinante! <b>-etnopinkfloyd</b>
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"Twins" from <i>Up In Flames</i> (2003)<br />
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I don't think I'd noticed that this song is so short. The power of strum.<br />
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<blockquote>
Dan Snaith is my god. <b>-drearyleary</b><br />
These guys are incredible. <b>-MightyDragon</b><br />
terrible <b>-400millionbillion</b>
</blockquote>
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Here's a pretty cool unofficial fan-video for "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0zUU5kGyiU" target=_blank>Kid You'll Move Mountains</a>." (no comments)
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"Crayon" from <i>Up In Flames</i> (2003)<br />
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That's a toy piano, right? That's pretty '60s, right? Yeah, the Koushik album I have is <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzPNUY-DqgE&list=PLedmcM3mbBpDYj4gsPrURpXiPPINjBaCF&index=1" target=_blank>Out My Window</a></i> (2008).<br />
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<blockquote>
really? to me it was instant but then again i'm more musically evolved then you..... everybody has always said that about us <b>-Humanshieldchorus00</b>
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"Every Time She Turns Round It's Her Birthday" from <i>Up In Flames</i> (2003)<br />
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And this ties it all together and brings us home. I think the whispering vocals also reminds me of Mercury Rev - Dingus Donahue's, not David Baker's.<br />
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I don't wanna kick off any further legal proceedings, but this one could be included in some sound-a-like song-pairs internet listicle - right beside one of my favorite indie-noise-pop hits. Hmmm....<br />
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<blockquote>
I'm glad I didn't take that LSD before watching this. <b>-BigPapaSmurfy</b>
</blockquote>
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<blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqE80ePznN1l6OaEh6jQaTpFbWHZ552bXdTI9nhaZdirMglHTTgUFnKCNZwJlMHazFUjVvaVsNFD378m_mRIWSMuf73Iqk9WyHp6uf9ENbuizg7CA0fmcJj2KRdD64ByPCjjr1DEHcT8/s1600/Up+In+Flames.jpg"><img style="margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqE80ePznN1l6OaEh6jQaTpFbWHZ552bXdTI9nhaZdirMglHTTgUFnKCNZwJlMHazFUjVvaVsNFD378m_mRIWSMuf73Iqk9WyHp6uf9ENbuizg7CA0fmcJj2KRdD64ByPCjjr1DEHcT8/s400/Up+In+Flames.jpg" border="0" alt="Up In Flames"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5757658334952902674" /></a>
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<br />Genre - Neo-Retro Electro-Indie-Pop<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.caribou.fm/" target=_blank>caribou.fm/</a><br />
Myspace - <a href="http://www.myspace.com/cariboumanitoba" target=_blank>myspace.com/cariboumanitoba</a><br />
Location - Dundas, Ontario<br />
<br />
Review - <a href="http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/manitoba/up-in-flames.htm" target=_blank>Stylus Magazine</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00122WZE4/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/up-in-flames-bonus-version/id160371633" target=_blank>iTunes (w/ bonus)</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Up-Flames-Bonus-CD-Caribou/dp/B000EQ47PE/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>
</blockquote>Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-30152974069393036812013-12-09T19:05:00.000-06:002013-12-09T19:10:23.556-06:00Unknown Psych Festives ExploredWell, we've taken a couple of looks at announced line-up for the 2014 Austin Psych Fest: first <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/12/finally-austin-psych-fest-2014.html" target=_blank>the top-billed</a>, and then more of <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/12/austin-psych-favorites.html" target=_blank>the known quantities</a>. So now, I'm going to try to explore some of the complete unknowns - probably not covering every band named for the fest.
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"No. 1 Against The Rush" by Liars, from <i>WIXIW</i> (2012)<br />
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"Brooklyn dance-punk"... yeah. Supposedly, that doesn't say it all, but everything I heard was pretty in line with exactly that.
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"From the Sun" by Unknown Mortal Orchestra, from <i>II</i> (2013)<br />
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What is this? I just... Okay, "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PERf5un2nC0" target=_blank>So Good at Being in Trouble</a>" is a bit closer, but these seem a bit odd choices for Psych Fest.
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"Lamborghini Meltdown" by Tobacco (ft. Zackey Force Funk), from <i>LA UTI</i> (2010)<br />
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Hey, I know a little bit. The guy in Tobacco is also from Black Moth Super Rainbow, and has worked with Beck. Although I probably have more sympathy for this experimental maximalism electro-funk, these 'unknowns' are ranging pretty far afield from trad 'psychedelic' music.
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"Nous Etions Deux" by La Femme, from <i>Psycho Tropical Berlin</i> (2013)<br />
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That's French <i>tropicália</i> coldwave, non?
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"Rat House" by Shannon & The Clams, from <i>Dreams in the Rat House</i> (2013)<br />
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Garagey weirdos, with an electric jug? <i>Bones Brigade</i> as directed by John Waters? Okay, making more sense...
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"Awa Adounia" by Terakaft, from <i>Kel Tamasheq</i> (2012)<br />
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Not what I was expecting from the band name. I'm down with this kinda stuff, although I do realize you could make an equally valid argument against its Psychfestivity as I would against, say, Unknown Mortal Orchestra.
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"One" by Yamantaka//Sonic Titan, from <i>Uzu</i> (2013)<br />
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I'm a little confused. What does it mean to "pay tribute to the extended group's indigenous upbringing?" I'll check out some more of the music before delving into the upbringing of the extended group.
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"Sonic Pearl" by Destruction Unit, from <i>Two Strong Hits</i> 7" (2013)<br />
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Stonery grungeness, or post-punk gothic?
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"Shine Your Light" by Gap Dream, from <i>Shine Your Light</i> (2013)<br />
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Sparkly. Now that's exactly what I thought it would sound like, based only on the band name. What do I win?!<br />
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Looks like I might have the makings of 2nd 'unknowns' post. This one left me a little... unsatisfied. (Not that I've totally passed judgment anywhere just yet.)
Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-81111943397747207742013-12-08T19:16:00.000-06:002013-12-08T19:16:19.362-06:00The Word On My Lips Is Your Name -Tape Loop Orchestra (#10, 2012)<br />
Sleepy, sleepy loops of narcotic dreams.<br />
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<iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/41438434&color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false"></iframe>
<a href="http://soundcloud.com/daylight-music/tape-loop-orchestra-the-word" target=_blank>Excerpt from</a> "The Word On My Lips Is Your Name" (2012)<br />
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Since there's not much of it floating around, I can only offer this promotional excerpt of the A-side title track. Looks to be some still available <a href="http://ourotherideas.bigcartel.com/product/tape-loop-orchestra-2cd" target=_blank>at this place</a>. Not bad... 2xCD for £8-- unsure how legit, but looks okay.<br />
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I've already got a subsequent <a href="http://facture.bandcamp.com/album/in-a-lonely-place" target=_blank>previous album</a> vinyl re-release, and I've been digging that too.<br />
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The guy in TLO is part of <a href="http://oursmallideas.tumblr.com/" target=_blank>The Boats</a>. I'm just gonna say "England," because I <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L98oLMi2Fw" target=_blank>lost interest</a> before I uncovered more relevant details. (This time. Looking below, I do see Burnley, Manchester. Fine.)
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<i>The Killer In The Rain</i> (2012), by Tape Loop Orchestra<br />
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Looks like TLO also released a '<i><b>3" CDr limited to 100 copies</b></i>' last year: <i>The Killer In The Rain</i>. I'd never even heard of it, but that's the whole thing up there. Better than nothing, I guess - which is what's streaming online of <i>TWOMLIYN</i> B-side "The Burnley Brass Band Plays On In My Heart." And I like that piece a bunch.
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<blockquote><div class="separator">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHJtD07r5rryk6N6G2EUsbjHindMir8_7cWqgH-hSgGlsRWu1xJ0qyA1m2cn6CelwYh45wV4mELmjTZUn3wZ-ltBDdj5dc-3v6xlUDAiPoob3btbh06yGYTYqxmdCWbQPffBs6k-jGn0/s1600/The+Word+On+My+Lips+Is.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="280" width="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHJtD07r5rryk6N6G2EUsbjHindMir8_7cWqgH-hSgGlsRWu1xJ0qyA1m2cn6CelwYh45wV4mELmjTZUn3wZ-ltBDdj5dc-3v6xlUDAiPoob3btbh06yGYTYqxmdCWbQPffBs6k-jGn0/s400/The+Word+On+My+Lips+Is.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Genre - Classico-Ambient Tape-Loop Music<br />
Official/tumblr - <a href="http://oursmallideas.tumblr.com/" target=_blank>oursmallideas.tumblr.com/</a><br />
Location - Burnley, Manchester, UK<br />
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Review - <a href="http://www.fluid-radio.co.uk/2012/04/tape-loop-orchestra-the-word-on-my-lips-is-your-name-the-burnley-brass-band-plays-on-in-my-heart/" target=_blank>Fluid-Radio</a><br />
Download/Purchase - Ltd. to 400 copies...<br />
<center>Maybe <i><a href="http://ourotherideas.bigcartel.com/product/tape-loop-orchestra-2cd" target=_blank>try here</a></i>.</center>
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</blockquote>
Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-1837285254225181942013-12-06T08:21:00.000-06:002013-12-06T08:21:01.921-06:00Campground Tracers, Snailface FourWhy didn't anyone tell me the third Snailface album, <i>IV</i>, was out? They were my <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/12/top-10-free-internet-albums-of-2010.html" target=_blank>#1 Free of 2010</a>, and my <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/12/next-10-metalloid-of-2009.html" target=_blank>#8 Next 10 Metal of 2009</a>.
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<iframe style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;" src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=172507132/size=medium/bgcol=333333/linkcol=0f91ff/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="http://snailface.bandcamp.com/album/snailface-iv">Snailface IV by Snailface</a></iframe><br />
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As usual, this one's Name Your Price as well. At their main band's website, you can check out this <a href="http://inthewalledcity.com/2013/06/25/snailface-iv-is-upon-us/" target=_blank>explanatory post</a>.Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-49373226328087080452013-12-05T18:12:00.000-06:002013-12-05T19:42:38.384-06:00Austin Psych FavoritesGonna be a lot like the previous APF post yesterday - but this time, it's personal! Some of the involved bands that I'm already super-geared up for...<br />
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Once again with a minimum of yakkin'.
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"Sonic Prayer Jam" by Earthless, live at Winter's Womb III,<br />The Casbah, San Diego, CA (01/21/2012)<br />
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YES!!! Never seen Earthless before - <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/09/earthless-3-2008_14.html" target=_blank>#3 of 2008</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/10/halfway-pitstop-55-top-ten-2007.html" target=_blank>shoulda-been's of 2007</a>, and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-10-new-releases-of-2005.html" target=_blank>#3 of 2005</a>. Psyched!
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<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/28938368" width="380" height="285" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/28938368">Barn Owl - Turiya</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/thrilljockey">Thrill Jockey Records</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br />
Wait, I mentioned these drone magicians at the end of the last time, right? O well, we're talking <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/11/lost-in-glare-shadowland-barn-owl-8-2011.html" target=_blank>#8 of 2011</a> and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/12/top-50-ish-records-of-2010-11-20.html" target=_blank>#11 of 2010</a>, and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-story-so-far-barn-owl-8.html" target=_blank>greatness beyond</a>.
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"Dream Odyssey" by Mono, from <i>For My Parents</i> (2012)<br />
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Occasionally mellow, until they aren't. Mono (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/12/hymn-to-immortal-wind-mono-4-2009.html" target=_blank>#4, 2009</a> and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/11/you-are-there-mono-5-2006.html" target=_blank>#5,2006</a> among others) have been very good to see live (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/12/top-10-live-shows-of-2009.html" target=_blank>#7 Live, 2009</a> and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2011/01/top-10-live-shows-of-2010.html" target=_blank>#10 Live, 2010</a>).
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"Mazes" by Moon Duo, from <i>Mazes</i> (2011)<br />
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From year before last, Moon Duo (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/01/top-10-studio-output-of-2012.html" target=_blank>#11, 2013</a>) were awesome fun (at A.P.F. and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/01/top-10-live-shows-of-2012.html" target=_blank>#7 Live, 2012</a>).
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"To Clean" by Woods, from <i>Songs of Shame</i> (2009)<br />
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Woods has been on a 3-album Top 10 tear, and mighta gotten the previous in there somehow: <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/11/bend-beyond-woods-9-2012.html" target=_blank>#9 of 2012</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/10/sun-and-shade-woods-7-2011.html" target=_blank>#7 of 2011</a>, and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2011/12/at-echo-lake-woods-6-2010.html" target=_blank>#6 of 2010</a>. They were a highlight for me at APF5 (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/01/top-10-live-shows-of-2012.html" target=_blank>#1 Live, 2012</a>)... and I often forget I discovered them as a terrific opener (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/12/top-10-live-shows-of-2009.html" target=_blank>#4 Live, 2009</a>).
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"H-p1" by White Hills, from <i>H-p1</i> (2011)<br />
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Got to meet some of White Hills (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2011/11/gnod-drop-out-with-white-hills-5-2010.html" target=_blank>co-#5, 2010</a>) at my first Psych Fest (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/01/best-live-music-of-2011-top-10-ish.html" target=_blank>#4 Live, 2011</a>), which was cool. I'm glad to hear we'll get another shot. They do so much so good - check out their bassist-director's official video channel: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/EgoSensation/videos" target=_blank>Ego Sensation</a>.
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"Blue Velvet Blues" by Acid Mothers Temple, from <i>Pataphisical Freak Out MU!</i> (1999)<br />
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I <i><b>keep</b></i> missing AMT! Must <i><b>not</b></i> miss AMT again.
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"Ready to Fly" by Aqua Nebula Oscillator, from <i>Aqua Nebula Oscillator</i> (2002)<br />
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I've only heard Aqua Nebula Oscillator's 2002 self-titled album. Guess which year is next for a historical 21st-century Top 10 list??
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"Entrance Song" [<i><b>***NSFW video***</b></i>] by The Black Angels, from <i>Phosphene Dream</i> (2010)<br />
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Oops, almost forgot the main hosts! The Black Angels, since <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/11/passover-black-angels-3-2006.html" target=_blank>#3 of 2006</a>, and... let's say: <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2011/01/top-10-live-shows-of-2010.html" target=_blank>co-#6 Live Show, 2010</a>.<br />
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Might be the last of these for awhile. But if I do another one soon, it will be more exploratory of currently unknown players. Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-38686611954400566382013-12-04T20:03:00.000-06:002013-12-04T20:07:34.036-06:00Finally!! Austin Psych Fest 2014<br />After more than 3 weeks since the initial line-up announcement for Austin Psych Fest (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/01/top-10-live-shows-of-2012.html" target=_blank>#1 Live Show, 2012</a> and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/01/best-live-music-of-2011-top-10-ish.html" target=_blank>#4, 2011</a>) was promised "this week," we now have info!<br />
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Here's the <a href="http://www.austinpsychfest.com/2014-festival/apf-2014-lineup/" target=_blank>initial line-up</a>:<br />
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<center>Primal Scream - Loop - Black Angels - The Zombies - The Horrors - of Montreal - Black Lips - Liars - Avey Tare’s Slasher Flicks - Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Mono - Tobacco - Dead Meadow - Oneohtrix Point Never - Moon Duo - Toy - Woods - La Femme - Jacco Gardner - Earthless - Zombie Zombie - Acid Mothers Temple - Kadaver - The Golden Dawn - Shannon & The Clams - Barn Owl - Terakraft - Yamantaka//Sonic Titan - White Hills - Destruction Unit - Quilt - Joel Gion & The Primary Colors - Gap Dream - King Gizzard & The Wizard Lizzard - Boogarins - Aqua Nebula Oscillator - Lorelle Meets The Obsolete - The Oscillation - Steve Gunn - Circuit des Yeux - The Young - Fantasmes - Kikagaku Moyo</center>
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Some returning alumni, some old-time faves, some new faces... What's at the top?
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"Loaded" by Primal Scream, from <i>Screamadelica</i> (1991)<br />
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From the early-'90s, and since...
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"From Centre to Wave" by Loop, from <i>A Gilded Eternity</i> (1990)<br />
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From the early-'90s only!! Here's fan video for "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Zc5iVQrfCw" target=_blank>Be Here Now</a>" too.
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"Time of the Season" by The Zombies, from <i>Odessey And Oracle</i> (1968)<br />
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Hits from the actual '60s!
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<br />
<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/7021941?portrait=0&color=ff0000" width="380" height="304" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/7021941">THE HORRORS - MIRROR'S IMAGE</a> from on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
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From... more recently?? Hopefully you have your tickets already.
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"Problem Areas" by Oneohtrix Point Never, from <i>R Plus Seven</i> (2013)<br />
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I haven't been listening new OPN since around the <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/12/top-50-ish-records-of-2010-31-40.html" target=_blank>#39 of 2010</a> - but I'll still probably try to go live.
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"Join the Dots" by Toy, from <i>Join the Dots</i> (2013)<br />
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I think that's the correct Toy (artist).
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"Clear the Air" by Jacco Gardner, from <i>Cabinet of Curiosities</i> (2013)<br />
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This was the first unknown artist I randomly looked up, and: not too bad...
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"The Bank Robbery (Escape from New York)" from <i>Zombie Zombie Plays John Carpenter</i> (2010)<br />
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Might not be the Carpenter fest of a few years back, but maybe they'll theme it up proper.
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"Creature of the Demon" by Kadaver, from <i>Kadaver</i> (2012)<br />
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I'm glad the heaviness is creeping in!
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"uᏞuᏒu ᏒᎾᏟᏦ" by ᎬᎪᏒᏆhᏞᎬss, from <i>From the Ages</i> (2013)<br />
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I'm only gonna mention a couple of super-pleasant surprises.<br />
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#1: EARTHLESS!! (I believe they were one of my answers when asked by Psych Fest on Facebook who we'd like to see.)<br /><br />
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"Void Redux" by Barn Owl, from <i>V</i> (2013)<br />
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And #2: Barn Owl!! Yusssssss...<br />
Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-40843472258209147412013-12-03T18:49:00.000-06:002013-12-03T18:49:06.706-06:00The Bob Dylan Song Meanings PostFor whatever reason, I've recently become focused on "Black Diamond Bay" from Bob Dylan's 1976 album <i>Desire</i>.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="304" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/43691890" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="380"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/43691890">Black Diamond Bay - Bob Dylan</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Which has eventually lead me back to the comment section of its <a href="http://songmeanings.com/songs/view/3530822107858579351/" target="_blank">SongMeanings.com page</a>. I wanted to highlight just a few of them.<br />
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The kind of meaningful commentary that isn't the norm:
<blockquote>Basically, this song is about irony. The Greek hangs himself even though everyone is about to die anyway, the loser wins in gambling right before he is about to die, the big "tough" soldier wants to have "forbidden love" with a tiny man, and the woman does find love but it's too late because they are about to die so she "sheds a tear and begins to pray." And finally, the ultimate irony is that the speaker saw all this on the 7 o'clock news and just shuts it off. It doesn't even matter to him... <b>-StallionintheRift12</b></blockquote>
<br />
I think this is where I'm coming from:
<blockquote>Forget the symbolism. Dylan paints images and characters. This story feels like Vonnegut's "Cat's Cradle." We watch the wild characters, laugh, and ultimately feel detached enough to switch it all off, while other peoples' lives go down. <b>-manumoka</b></blockquote>
<br />
Hmmmmm, okay.
<blockquote>The "Bay" is the "Bay of Pigs", She is Jackie Kennedy and " the greek" is that Onassis guy! As watched in a delirium, Old Cronkite on the seven o'clock news. <b>-MGAlpha</b></blockquote>
<br />
Oooooookay then...
<blockquote>Black Diamond Bay has long been my favorite Bob Dylan song. It is a song of the detachment that mankind feels for his fellow man and a warning for the consequences of that detachment and the consequences of simple sins of ommission and self-indulgence.<br />
The woman in the song represents the individual who will ascend to heaven. Thus she is on the white veranda while everyone else in the song is consumed by the boiler in the basement, i.e hell<br />
The lava from the mountain high above is symbolic of God's hand in the end of the world. <i>[... more]</i> <b>-gkhd11a</b></blockquote>
<br />
One more cup of coffee, I think we could tie this into <i>Apocalypse Now</i> (1979) and the ill-fated 1987 Dylan & The Dead tour!
<blockquote>The specific reference of Black Diamond Bay is to the Conrad novel called "Victory". In the novel, Black Diamond Bay is a disused coal port/depot on an island in the far east (Indonesia/Borneo area). There are elements in the novel that reappear in the song (a hotel, a volcano, gambling, a somewhat enigmatic woman, BDB itself of course) but the song is not a 'song of the book' by any means. In some ways its a bit like a dream version of the book with everything mixed up and in the wrong places. <b>-jtg76</b></blockquote>
<br />
Which are all much better than the most common interpretation by far: "I think this song is about being on drugs." But it's still just a popularity contest. What Bob Dylan song you think has the most (not necessarily best) user comments?
<br /><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/52312910?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=c9485a" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/52312910">Like a rolling stone - Bob Dylan</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
<br />
Yep, <a href="http://songmeanings.com/songs/view/3530822107858579351/" target="_blank">that one</a>. Currently with 211, vs. 17 for "Black Diamond Bay." Did you see the <a href="http://video.bobdylan.com/desktop.html" target="_blank">recent interactive video</a> for it? Pretty cool.
<br />
<br />
I wish the search function was more robust. Like, is there a thriving commentary community for Killdozer songs? Unfortunately not, but they do <a href="http://songmeanings.com/artist/view/songs/137438973651/" target="_blank">have the lyrics</a>. You can access a <a href="http://songmeanings.com/artist/directory/main/popular/" target="_blank">most popular artists list</a>, which I think is purely aggregate post-count.
<br />
<br />
As of now (artist / most commented on YouTube)...<br />
<blockquote>
<b>1.</b> <a href="http://songmeanings.com/artist/view/songs/200/" target=_blank>Radiohead</a> ("<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFkzRNyygfk" target=_blank>Creep</a>"?! 665 comments)
<br />
<b>2.</b> <a href="http://songmeanings.com/artist/view/songs/7710/" target=_blank>Brand New</a> ("<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfsZJ33fK4A" target=_blank>Seventy Times 7</a>", 651)
<br />
<b>3.</b> <a href="http://songmeanings.com/artist/view/songs/5303/" target=_blank>Bright Eyes</a> ("<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSBs-hiapo4" target=_blank>Lua</a>", 331)
<br />
<b>4.</b> <a href="http://songmeanings.com/artist/view/songs/892/" target=_blank>Modest Mouse</a> ("<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTAud5O7Qqk" target=_blank>Float On</a>", 540)
<br />
<b>5.</b> <a href="http://songmeanings.com/artist/view/songs/743/" target=_blank>Coldplay</a> ("<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvgZkm1xWPE" target=_blank>Viva la Vida</a>", 916?!?!)
<br />
<b>6.</b> <a href="http://songmeanings.com/artist/view/songs/137438979418/" target=_blank>Bon Iver</a> ("<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssdgFoHLwnk" target=_blank>Skinny Love</a>", 249)
<br />
<b>7.</b> <a href="http://songmeanings.com/artist/view/songs/5963/" target=_blank>Death Cab for Cutie</a> ("<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nog3J4t3BfE" target=_blank>I Will Follow You into the Dark</a>", 369)
<br />
<b>8.</b> <a href="http://songmeanings.com/artist/view/songs/8589949184/" target=_blank>Kings of Leon</a> ("<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF0HhrwIwp0" target=_blank>Sex on Fire</a>", 214)
<br />
<b>9.</b> <a href="http://songmeanings.com/artist/view/songs/137438984026/" target=_blank> Mumford & Sons</a> ("<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLJf9qJHR3E" target=_blank>Little Lion Man</a>", 224)
<br />
<b>10.</b> <a href="http://songmeanings.com/artist/view/songs/10/" target=_blank>The Beatles</a> ("<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqXmBy1_qOQ" target=_blank>Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds</a>",<br />
459 comments: "This song is about being on drugs.")
</blockquote>
<br />
Maybe not 100% ranked by total posts - The Beatles looks like a hefty chunk.
<br />
<br />
A lot to untangle here, but the first point is that I had literally never heard of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brand_New_(band)" target=_blank>Brand New</a> (#2!) before now. Just based on overall popularity & visibility, I won't re-hash Radiohead, Mumford & Sons, and The Beatles... maybe Coldplay too? But the rest of those point to a specific audience being very active on the site.<br /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipq3VOfC3qbK5-w4tU9aRUb3BKgOb7lBCvmE5JgTPeC0wfHjl3A3D_wcOO5UAFw3McPs7bLEVFP5nlfFWa5iMylve0D74azHzXgiL6_V5s4KKm6dnYWA6gTw4Ww-r89po7MbzLfl2tpQ/s1600/Pepper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipq3VOfC3qbK5-w4tU9aRUb3BKgOb7lBCvmE5JgTPeC0wfHjl3A3D_wcOO5UAFw3McPs7bLEVFP5nlfFWa5iMylve0D74azHzXgiL6_V5s4KKm6dnYWA6gTw4Ww-r89po7MbzLfl2tpQ/s320/Pepper.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Yeah, it would be weird if late-'80s Touch & Go fans were more active on a lyric site than the early-'00s indie-pop of Bright Eyes-Modest Mouse-Death Cab. There's 128 comments for Butthole Surfers' "<a href="http://songmeanings.com/songs/view/48861/" target=_blank>Pepper</a>," but not too much else. I was trying to find anything somewhat comparable, but ridiculous - best I could do was Pearl Jam's "<a href="http://songmeanings.com/songs/view/918/" target=_blank>Black</a>" (with 503).<br />
<br />
Okay, that was weird - I'm done now.Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-25858219293536539992013-12-02T19:51:00.000-06:002013-12-02T19:58:26.567-06:00C6H8O6 - Linus Pauling Quartet (#2, 2003)This album has some of my top Linus Pauling Quartet tunes - like "<a href="http://www.last.fm/music/The+Linus+Pauling+Quartet/_/Switzer" target=_blank>Bongfire</a>," for instance! The LP4 <a href="http://www.worshipguitars.org/LP4/LP4_WordPress/?page_id=1942" target=_blank>discography page</a> has tons o' fun for you & your family. <i>C6H8O6</i> kinda closes out the Pinnacle Period of Linus: ca. 1997-2004, and is arguably their best record... (let's argue.)<br />
<br />
Sorry for all the last.fm links. This one isn't very well represented in the streaming world, especially now that the promotional efforts are over. But the songs play (now), and jam they do.
<br /><br />
<br />
<object width="380" height="285"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/TkllkZqzN10?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/TkllkZqzN10?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="285" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"Cole Porter" from <i>The 26th Commandment: Thou Shalt Expand Your Mind</i> (1999)<br />
<br />
Not the <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/The+Linus+Pauling+Quartet/_/Cole+Porter" target=_blank><i>C6H8O6</i> version</a>, but a live one from an earlier Ptolemaic Terrascope compilation.<br />
<br />
Next up comes just more gravy. Groovacious "<a href="http://www.last.fm/music/The+Linus+Pauling+Quartet/_/Brain" target=_blank>Brain</a>", with recent return to stage, and "<a href="http://www.last.fm/music/The+Linus+Pauling+Quartet/_/Thorn" target=_blank>Thorn</a>," which was written by Mike Switzer? The same who gave his name and story to "Bongfire" - technically titled "Switzer" in reality. Disco page reminds me about solo(s) courtesy of John Cramer - of The Mike Gunn (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-10-records-of-1993.html" target=_blank>#5, 1993</a>) and Project Grimm (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/08/top-10-albums-of-1996.html" target=_blank>#4, 1996</a>) fame. Bonus singing saw via Shaun Kelly from Exterminating Angels (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/12/next-10-metalloid-of-2009.html" target=_blank>#17 Metallic, 2009</a>) and Rotten Piece.<br />
<br />
Outlandish rocker "<a href="http://www.last.fm/music/The+Linus+Pauling+Quartet/_/La+Tapatia" target=_blank>La Tapatia</a>" was brought back to live in a terrifying McRibtual (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/01/best-live-music-of-2011-top-10-ish.html" target=_blank>#13 Live Show, 2011</a>).
<br /><br />
<br />
<object width="380" height="285"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/QcImZH9Rhpo?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/QcImZH9Rhpo?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="285" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"Airplane (Live from The Vault/KFJC)" from <i>Ashes in the Bong of God</i> (2000)<br />
<br />
Not the <i>C6H8O6</i> version, but a live bonus track from the Euro-vinyl release of an earlier Linus record. Hypno-Drone from the Dream-Dome. By the way, those last two videos & the tragically deleted "Bongfire" one were all <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/exangel222/videos" target=_blank>made by Shaun Kelly</a> of the singing saw.<br />
<br />
To up the rock ante, Linus continues on with the two-fer blast of "<a href="http://www.last.fm/music/The+Linus+Pauling+Quartet/_/Drunkest+Man" target=_blank>Drunkest Man</a>" and then "<a href="http://www.last.fm/music/The+Linus+Pauling+Quartet/_/Cannonball" target=_blank>Cannonball</a>." Man, I’ve seen a lot of these songs live recently - like, both of those.
<br /><br />
<br />
<object width="380" height="285"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/j5Ve-dvzb70?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/j5Ve-dvzb70?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="285" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"Hall of Mirrors" from <i>C6H8O6</i> (2003)<br />
<br />
Kraftwerk cover! Who woulda believed it?! I'll take a shot of that one live please.<br />
<br />
O yeah, and the title? <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_C" target=_blank>Vitamin C</a>.
<br /><br />
<br />
<blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4t7uPGXzcQq1Hsm5wSAJBNmh_cU1oEyUmPvzpTkp25NkKmq_M82SMvCnhweiyRT2AjNaorF5d6MKNYVdWUl6SRaTuyl346sSTW26VItCn2FpByxW7yFI5_nefmwVrQ8Ge175to6DVUw/s1600/C6H8O6.jpg"><img style="margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4t7uPGXzcQq1Hsm5wSAJBNmh_cU1oEyUmPvzpTkp25NkKmq_M82SMvCnhweiyRT2AjNaorF5d6MKNYVdWUl6SRaTuyl346sSTW26VItCn2FpByxW7yFI5_nefmwVrQ8Ge175to6DVUw/s400/C6H8O6.jpg" border="0" alt="C6H8O6"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5757658331162819970" /></a><br />
<br />Genre - Heavy-Duty Space-Psych<br />Official - <a href="http://www.worshipguitars.org/LP4/LP4_WordPress/" target=_blank>worshipguitars.org/LP4/</a><br />Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Linus-Pauling-Quartet/16831955249" target=_blank>facebook.com/Linus-Pauling-Quartet/</a><br />Myspace - <a href="http://www.myspace.com/linuspaulingquartet" target=_blank>myspace.com/linuspaulingquartet</a><br />Location - Houston, TX<br /><br />Review - <a href="http://aural-innovations.com/2004/march/linusp02.html" target=_blank>Aural Innovations</a><br />Download - Other LP4 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_srch_drd_B0026TQ64W?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=Linus%20Pauling%20Quartet&index=digital-music&search-type=ss" target=_blank>at Amazon</a> & <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-linus-pauling-quartet/id398767222" target=_blank>on iTunes</a><br />Purchase - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/sell/list?release_id=3070267&ev=rb" target=_blank>Discogs Marketplace</a>
</blockquote>Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-79048053748035932012013-12-01T10:31:00.000-06:002013-12-01T10:36:40.819-06:00RSD II - Blackest FridayMini-update on the autumn Record Store Day - why not? I certainly didn't get anything like I did on the <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/05/record-store-day-2013-apocalypse.html" target=_blank>original, April version</a>.<br /><br />
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<object width="380" height="285"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/dvw1iYaosEg?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/dvw1iYaosEg?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="285" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"Water Train" by Michael Hurley, from <i>Hi Fi Snock Uptown</i> (1972)<br />
<br />
The official <a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/6448" target=_blank>RSD description</a> says:
<blockquote>
10" 78 RPM Vinyl. Two newly recorded, <b><i>previously unreleased</i></b> songs from folk legend Michael Hurley.
</blockquote>
It is a 10", and it does look like an old-timey 78rpm record. But I suspect the A-side has been released before. At the moment, my turntable's got some left-channel issues of the technical variety.<br /><br />
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<object width="380" height="214"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/kTWcn8xFGCo?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/kTWcn8xFGCo?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="214" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"Peace Sword" by The Flaming Lips, from <i>Peace Sword</i> EP (2013)<br />
<br />
I just got the much cheaper non-RSD exclusive CD, rather than the fantastically over-priced <a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/6505" target=_blank>vinyl EP</a>. Also postponed due to price-gouging was the vinyl edition of the recently-unearthed Grateful Dead <a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/6490" target=_blank>1970 acoustic/Pigpen set</a>.<br /><br />
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<object width="380" height="214"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/x6zypc_LhnM?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/x6zypc_LhnM?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="214" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"Linus and Lucy" by the Vince Guaraldi Trio, from <i>A Charlie Brown Christmas</i> OST (1965)<br />
<br />
Haha, that's from the Vince Guaraldi VEVO. HA!! Listen to <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6545283" target=_blank>this NPR story</a> about the fight over using the jazz soundtrack... on television! (I think I was looking for a different story, but that should do.)<br />
<br />
Yeah, this <a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/6500" target=_blank>RSD edition</a> is:
<blockquote>
A faithful recreation of the 1964 Fantasy Records single also includes a new picture sleeve featuring many of the Peanuts characters. Gold vinyl, small hole 7" that includes music from the famed "A Charlie Brown Christmas" soundtrack.
</blockquote>
And you can still get Woods' cover of "<a href="http://pitchfork.com/news/44764-merry-christmas-from-woods-listen-to-their-vince-guaraldi-cover/" target=_blank>Christmas Time Is Here</a>" for your upcoming indie-rock holiday party.Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-69076624288013260792013-11-30T11:48:00.000-06:002013-11-30T11:48:35.096-06:00Metallic Alloys<br />Heeyyy, you got your Black Metal in my Space Rock! Nooo, you got your Drone Psych in my Doom Metal...<br /><br />
<br />
<iframe style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;" src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=143523017/size=medium/bgcol=333333/linkcol=0f91ff/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="http://listen.20buckspin.com/album/valonielu">Valonielu by Oranssi Pazuzu</a></iframe><br />
<br />
Maybe my favorite new band, from Finland: <a href="http://www.oranssipazuzu.com/" target=_blank>Oranssi Pazuzu</a>. Their third album is out somewhat recently now. Somehow, it's actually cheaper to buy <a href="http://www.20buckspinshop.com/products/oranssi-pazuzu-valonielu-cd" target=_blank>the physical CD</a>.
<br /><br />
Here's a <a href="http://soundcloud.com/oranssipazuzu/sets/player" target=_blank>band SoundCloud mix</a> including earlier material.
<br /><br />
<br />
<iframe style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;" src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2173121410/size=medium/bgcol=333333/linkcol=0f91ff/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="http://cuneiformrecords.bandcamp.com/album/chrome-black-gold">Chrome Black Gold by Chrome Hoof</a></iframe><br />
<br />
Hey, you got your Disco Funk Metal in my <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/11/frog-prench-zeuhl-vs-radio-gnome.html" target=_blank>Zeuhl</a>! I would swear I've at least heard of Chrome Hoof, but there are so many similarly named bands. I definitely would not have guessed their musical style(s) correctly.
<br /><br />
<br />
<iframe style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2440094489/size=medium/bgcol=333333/linkcol=0f91ff/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="http://geryon.bandcamp.com/album/geryon">Geryon by Geryon</a></iframe><br />
<br />
Dude, you got your complete lack of guitars in my Brutal Death Metal. Geryon is made up of Nick and Lev, the rhythm section of Krallice (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/12/next-10-metalloid-of-2009.html" target=_blank>#13 Metal of 2009</a>, <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/01/honorable-mention-2011-not-so-bad.html" target=_blank>#21 of 2011</a>), with assistance from Indricothere (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/10/indricothere-indricothere-9-2007.html" target=_blank>#9, 2007</a>).Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-2621994362523776362013-11-29T15:21:00.001-06:002013-11-29T15:21:21.815-06:00Quebec/All Request Live - Ween (#3, 2003)As you might have heard, Ween <a href="http://www.glidemagazine.com/hiddentrack/ween-drummer-claude-coleman-talks-breakup-more-in-ama/" target=_blank>broke up</a> since this Top 10 list was originally posted (August 2012). But maybe they're <a href="http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2013/09/dean_ween_and_les_claypool_auctioning_off_fishing_trip_to_benefit_long_beach_island_surfcasting_tour.html" target=_blank>talking again</a>? Only time will tell...<br /><br />
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<object width="380" height="285"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/PtuVA4NOm0I?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/PtuVA4NOm0I?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="285" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"Transdermal Celebration" from <i>Quebec</i> (2003)<br />
<br />
I think it's funny that the album's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_(album)" target=_blank>Wiki page</a> says that "Music critic Mark Prindle named <i>Quebec</i> the best album of the 2000s (decade) in an interview." <a href="http://www.markprindle.com/weena.htm#quebec" target=_blank>Mark Prindle</a> interviews on Fox News, talking about Ween, referenced in Wikipedia?! Wild. Also, <a href="http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/8605-quebec/" target=_blank>this Pitchfork review</a> is completely ridiculous. I still don't have <i>The Caesar Demos</i>.<br />
<br />
Here's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkX2QATlgbo" target=_blank>all of <i>Quebec</i></a>. It will be difficult not to talk about almost every tune, but not quite so difficult to skip a couple of them.<br /><br />
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"Zoloft" from <i>Quebec</i> (2003)<br />
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I like the mötorspeedthrash ("It's Gonna Be a Long Night") as much as anyone else, but it is just more goodness in the vein of <i>White Pepper</i>'s "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifc1znQi1Xs" target=_blank>Stroker Ace</a>." Z.O.L.O.F.T. is "an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoloft" target=_blank>antidepressant</a> of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class..." Serotonin reuptake inhibitor would make a good Ween lyric... maybe with some wordplay on serotinal (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Season" target=_blank>late summer</a>). Just spitballin' here.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PgZQgfVG3c" target=_blank>The sad alarm</a>.
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"Happy Colored Marbles" from <i>Quebec</i> (2003)<br />
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I started off disliking this song, then a friend said she loved it, then I listened more closely, now I dig it a lot more. Not perfection, but I'd overlooked the greatness within. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBmmb2NakUs" target=_blank>Seein' it live</a> a few times sure didn't hurt neither.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPL2Cqi_AbI" target=_blank>Groooovy</a>...
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"Chocolate Town" from <i>Live in Chicago</i> (2004)<br />
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Love that version! Really lays it down.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyDHa4FjiE0" target=_blank>More sadness</a>... and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U9wf1Z74tU" target=_blank>more psych-prog</a>. There's so much different happening on this record, still true but a bit less so on the more theme-style albums. But much of it's kind of a downer - which can be cool too. And <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBmmb2NakUs" target=_blank>sometimes majestic</a>.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIGgm4Fd3jhvUqaM-XjQwkx4iMwcVPDXGYOzBUyE5k3ZoZX3YqUdb82SIVjWLj07-no_WdagLj3OOHRsMl8a1-8sKwKLX8VsMhfpVHB912WtZfiReGjS9Nou6cb3knIYI8A2aTziAKFI/s1600/All+Request+Live+2003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIGgm4Fd3jhvUqaM-XjQwkx4iMwcVPDXGYOzBUyE5k3ZoZX3YqUdb82SIVjWLj07-no_WdagLj3OOHRsMl8a1-8sKwKLX8VsMhfpVHB912WtZfiReGjS9Nou6cb3knIYI8A2aTziAKFI/s320/All+Request+Live+2003.jpg" /></a></div>
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Won't go too deep here - you can listen to <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIAe8HzEFxU" target=_blank>All (of) Request Live</a></i> streaming. It was a live webcast, with setlist by request.<br /><br />
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<object width="380" height="214"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/Niorlvsu6Dg?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/Niorlvsu6Dg?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="214" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"Where'd The Cheese Go?" from <i>All Request Live</i> (2003)<br />
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Yeah, <a href="http://www.openingbands.com/printerfriendly.race?ID=254" target=_blank>the Pizza Hit</a>. It featured, among others, "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8NBsY5fIbo" target=_blank>Awesome Sound</a>," and "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am_dVWeTjy0" target=_blank>Mononucleosis</a>," & also "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bm85gWi6JcI" target=_blank>Demon Sweat</a>." And that's not even all of <i>The Pod</i> (1991) tunes to be featured here.<br />
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Check it out - a great year!<br /><br />
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"... by Ween."
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<blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSaJfm3jBFcrIOvOX2_LnKr_SIfvfUCtUwoBJeYLcXxBXTGtuGs9a-x6ul9qRlGYPelg2OdTfCtWFU-QLB0uszHELOMpNBmqq4WeL4mi0HN0nKBlWkewC0K2MlAWXsEK-MYE8jaOadJ8/s1600/quebec.jpg"><img style="margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSaJfm3jBFcrIOvOX2_LnKr_SIfvfUCtUwoBJeYLcXxBXTGtuGs9a-x6ul9qRlGYPelg2OdTfCtWFU-QLB0uszHELOMpNBmqq4WeL4mi0HN0nKBlWkewC0K2MlAWXsEK-MYE8jaOadJ8/s400/quebec.jpg" border="0" alt="quebec"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5757658329481338834" /></a><br />
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Genre - Alt-Psych Prog Nightmare<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.ween.com/" target=_blank>ween.com/</a><br />
Myspace - <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ween" target=_blank>myspace.com/ween</a><br />
Location - New Hope, PA<br />
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Review - <a href="http://www.dustedmagazine.com/reviews/940" target=_blank>Dusted Magazine</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Quebec/dp/B003Z9PKAS" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/quebec/id372387852" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.chocodogmerch.com/index.php?sku=wee702" target=_blank>Chocodog Merch</a>
</blockquote>Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-41301315130178927152013-11-27T17:31:00.000-06:002013-11-28T08:38:27.775-06:00Krautrocksampler Top 50 AlbumsYeah, I've listened to a few of these records - the alphabetic Top 50 from Julian Cope's genrexploding tome, <i>Krautrocksampler</i> (1995). But not near enough for someone who actually <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/11/whaddya-mean-krautrock.html" target="_blank">claims to be a fan</a>. (Maybe it's the lack of Agitation Free that agitates me?)
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Okay, so I'll link at least one big tune from each... Try to say (or learn) something about each one... And if the <b><i>full album stream</i></b> is available, I'll put that one linked from <b><i><u>the record title</u></i></b>.<br />
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<b>1.</b> Amon Düül - <i>Paradieswärts Düül</i> (1970)
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They had a single, which was "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH436lesk-M" target="_blank">Eternal Flow</a>." So, Amon Düül was like a hippie arts & music commune happening. But things didn't go so smoothly, leading to a break. Of which the regular version was the lesser.
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<b>2.</b> Amon Düül II - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqZn6XndvFI" target="_blank">Phallus Dei</a></u></i> (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/01/top-20-albums-of-1969.html" target="_blank">#13, 1969</a>)
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The splitters (II) got the better of it. Amon Düül II let loose and certainly get crazy - all over the place on their debut. I'd just listen to the album from the start (title link), but here's one of the later tunes: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECnEWl5pNNc" target="_blank">Henriette Krotenschwanz</a>."
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<b>3.</b> Amon Düül II - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOO0AG2jIso" target="_blank">Yeti</a></u></i> (1970)
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See how there's like a 4-to-1 albums advantage here? Another top-notch record of jammin' out - dig this killer video for "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSvqchxzN_U" target="_blank">Eye-Shaking King</a>."
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<b>4.</b> Amon Düül II - <i>Carnival in Babylon</i> (1972)
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Okay, I've never gotten these next two... will have to check them out sometime. I found this 'vid from 1973' (almost at random): "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgA-uic8gJw" target="_blank">All The Years 'Round</a>."
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<b>5.</b> Amon Düül II - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LM75RePolw" target="_blank">Wolf City</a></u></i> (1972)
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O "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=givbP4-x7UY" target="_blank">Deutsch Nepal</a>" video, you had me at 'animation from Ralph Bakshi.'
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<b>6.</b> Ash Ra Tempel - <i>Ash Ra Tempel</i> (1971)
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Side A is "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTZeaAIDvTo" target="_blank">Amboss</a>," the German word for 'anvil.' Whereas, side B is "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySBZf23oqAg" target="_blank">Traummaschine</a>." <i>Traum</i> means 'dream'... and I leave the rest of the translation to you. Ashra, Tempel. Ash Ra. Guitars, rock, ambient, space, long-form, cosmic drift, into... jams.
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<b>7.</b> Ash Ra Tempel - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVGN9_eJ8WM" target="_blank">Schwingungen</a></u></i> (1972)
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So, yeah - the self-titled one is the only Ash Ra that I've got. This is post-Klaus Schulze who left both Tangerine Dream and this band after like one album each. You could do worse than to explore this excerpt from "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOSrvDmcHtM" target="_blank">Suche und Liebe</a>" maybe?
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<b>8.</b> Timothy Leary & Ash Ra Tempel - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7d9Qe_Cpscs" target="_blank">Seven Up</a></u></i> (1973)
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I don't think Timothy Leary was German... maybe Irish? "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_OhHHDOfyI" target="_blank">Time</a>," the B-side to "Space."
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<b>9.</b> Ash Ra Tempel - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6_qZPjLyJA" target="_blank">Join Inn</a></u></i> (1973)
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I've never seen or heard of this album outside of Cope's list (and it's not the only one). Therefore, I'd bet it's just mind-blowing! Is it? "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znN6KF8hHvo" target="_blank">Jenseits [A]</a>?"<br />
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<b>10.</b> Can - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_RM1sSpIt0" target="_blank">Monster Movie</a></u></i> (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/01/top-20-albums-of-1969.html" target="_blank">#17, 1969</a>)
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Legendary band! I wish I could claim to be more of a fan of their original (American) singer, Malcolm Mooney. But that's not exactly the case.
"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gJFzPt1i-U" target="_blank">Yoo Doo Right</a>" though, right? Do you?
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<b>11.</b> Can - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCZI2YNUGAA" target="_blank">Soundtracks</a></u></i> (1970)
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These are tunes from/for films. A bit o' Malcolm, and a bit o' Damo (Suzuki) - their subsequent (Japanese) signer. I'm not gonna look it up, but like someone named "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ICsoINapqs" target="_blank">Mother Sky</a>" like 30th best 'guitar rock' song or somesuch. It is real good.
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<b>12.</b> Can - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_niTsQYGw4" target="_blank">Tago Mago</a></u></i> (1971)
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Entering in the classic period of awesomeness, Can's next few albums would be stellar. I'd love to get my hands on a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1I8qoSPwZs" target="_blank">7" single</a> of epic jam "Halleluwah." Bonus: some video for "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8RzLdf34Ow" target="_blank">Mushroom</a>!"
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<b>13.</b> Can - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67iTn6NU8iE" target="_blank">Ege Bamyasi</a></u></i> (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/11/top-10-releases-of-1972.html" target="_blank">#4, 1972</a>)
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The krautfunkiest. Here's some real official video for "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWEJHQisBqc" target="_blank">Vitamin C</a>"... apparently? Not from 1972, I am thinking.
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<b>14.</b> Can - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LoK0BMGC2w" target="_blank">Delay 1968</a></u></i> (1981)
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I myself have never bothered to get this long-shelved Mooney-era album. One day, I'm sure. One song I do have would be "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCBMV62iDrs" target="_blank">Uphill</a>" - it's on the <i>Anthology: 25 Years</i> collection (1993).
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<b>15.</b> Cluster - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNy75iWo8yQ" target="_blank">Cluster II</a></u></i> (1972)
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Is there even a <i>Cluster I</i>?? O yeah, with Conny Plank. He's gone by this time, so it's just the awesomely named duo of Hans-Joachim Roedelius and Dieter Moebius - and makin' like "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-boOsQmfMTc" target="_blank">Live in der Fabrik</a>." It's e-lec-tron-i-cal!
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<b>16.</b> Cluster - <i>Zuckerzeit</i> (1974)
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The video description for "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5NNsXNTrow" target="_blank">Heiße Lippen</a>" says this album was produced by Michael Rother, "their bandmate in Harmonia" and member of Neu! (<i>foreshadowing</i>)... That explains quite a bit actually. For some reason, only opening track "Hollywood" is blocked on YouTube - <a href="http://soundcloud.com/graffitibridge/cluster-zuckerzeit-hollywood" target="_blank">SoundCloud workaround</a>!
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<b>17.</b> Cluster - <i>Sowiesoso</i> (1996)
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"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAVFQ2gaf8k" target="_blank">Zum wohl</a>" or the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAVFQ2gaf8k" target="_blank">title track</a>? On the way more mellow, from Rother's <i>motorik</i> movement towards Eno's ambience.
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<b>18.</b> Tony Conrad & Faust - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGMnDcwoXns" target="_blank">Outside the Dream Syndicate</a></u></i> (1972)
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Just drone out to the whole gig! Know your <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatre_of_Eternal_Music" target="_blank">Dream Syndicate</a>.
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<b>19.</b> The Cosmic Jokers - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2L4EnKNNUI" target="_blank">The Cosmic Jokers</a></u></i> (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/04/top-10-albums-of-1973.html" target="_blank">#6, 1973</a>)
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The whole album there starts with Side 1: "Galactic Joke." Or you could try Track 2 = Side 2: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQhlQ3UgVx4" target="_blank">Cosmic Joy</a>."<br />
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The (possibly/partially true) urban legend was summarized in my Top 10 entry for this one:
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<blockquote>
Haha! The galactic joke is on you - and the musicians here. Kosmische label-head offered drugs to jam, recorded, ripped, and sold it up! You'd think Ash Ra Tempel and Klaus Schulze would be wiser upfront, but they had to find out by hearing themselves playing in the record stores. Not only that, but there were like four Cosmic Jokers albums mixed up out of these drug-jam-parties! It's a trip.</blockquote>
Their <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_Jokers" target="_blank">Wiki page</a> might give a more technically accurate description, but basically...
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<b>20.</b> The Cosmic Jokers - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Axy6FG5WO3o" target="_blank">Galactic Supermarket</a></u></i> (1974)
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The whole album there starts with Side 1: "Kinder des Alls." Or you could try Side 2, parts 1 & 2: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2KrpVbvhxE" target="_blank">Galactic Supermarket</a>." These first two are the only TCJ that I've gotten - worth pursuing further, though. Let's find out!
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<b>21.</b> The Cosmic Jokers - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Lv3pIuB-_Y" target="_blank">Planeten Sit-In</a></u></i> (1974)
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Wait, <a href="http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/15165-synthesist/" target="_blank">Harald Großkopf</a>? I guess I never put it together, but he's been on all of these. Also, you can proceed straight to a more jamming <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdYouSk13I0" target="_blank">middlish freak-out section</a>.
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<b>22.</b> The Cosmic Jokers - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZoiw5NHDdQ" target="_blank">Sci-Fi Party</a></u></i> (1974)
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Looking at the tracklist, I think this one collects tunes from other projects - possibly alternative takes or mixes or whatever. Like "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snS7SpICwxw" target="_blank">Der Herrscher</a>" is probably from <i>Tarot</i> (#49).
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<b>23.</b> The Cosmic Jokers - <i>Gilles Zeitschiff</i> (1974)
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I'm tellin' you - Julian Cope really digs The Cosmic Jokers. Intended videos have been removed at the last minute.<br />
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Adapt!! <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlIavFXVy_c" target="_blank">Part 1</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Y0tjH1loOE" target="_blank">Part 2</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGvich39RY8" target="_blank">Part 3</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz_XcXfkM94" target="_blank">Part 4</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWUg-DDHgIc" target="_blank">Part 5</a>.
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<b>24.</b> Faust - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdjpwxYup3k" target="_blank">Faust</a></u></i> (1971)
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There's no denying Faust is legendary, but... There's something that keeps me from getting on board with them. Some thing(s) pretty significant. I've never been a huge fan of cut-and-paste (unless you're like Teo Macero), and I really don't care for much of the components that Faust actually cutted-and-pasted. The problem might be mine, but there it is.
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<b>25.</b> Faust - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI5M6C51x-w" target="_blank">So Far</a></u></i> (1972)
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This was supposed to be their <i>Faust Sell Out</i> album. I'm pretty good with the lead-off track, but yeah. Maybe the inscrutability of the debut (and the legend) casts too much shade on the rest? I'm going to listen to this record now - until I need to listen to something else for posting.
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<b>26.</b> Faust - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrnBIMJhvnA" target="_blank">The Faust Tapes</a></u></i> (1973)
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Or maybe I should listen to <i>The Faust Tapes</i>, for possibly the first time? "It's a Rainy Day, Sunshine Girl" isn't halfway over. <i>[It was at this point, I began reconsidering the wisdom of putting all fifty albums in a single post. 'Will this benefit anyone... besides me?' Best to plunge through, so as to avoid an existential crisis of confidence. 'What is blog... for?' <a href="http://www.blogger.com/J'ai%20Mai%20Aux%20Dents" target="_blank">J'ai mai aux dents</a>. Lalalalala!!]</i>
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<b>27.</b> Faust - <i>Faust IV</i> (1974)
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So later on, Faust named one of their songs "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzPUoG3M9gA" target="_blank">Krautrock</a>" - why not? The Flaming Lips included "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l3mB3h8tMA" target="_blank">It's A Bit Of A Pain</a>" on their <i>Late Night Tales</i> comp (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-10-repertoire-of-2005.html" target="_blank">#5 Repertoire, 2005</a>).
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<b>28.</b> Sergius Golowin - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_kguNMZusg" target="_blank">Lord Krishna von Goloka</a></u></i> (1973)
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What's up with these Swiss non-musician, spoken-word figures of mystical youth culture? Like hippie poetry slam in a language I don't speak, with a better soundtrack. "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUclO6TwqIo" target="_blank">Die Weiße Alm</a>" is The White Alpine Meadow.<br />
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<a href="http://theloveseeker.jimdo.com/lord-krishna-von-goloka-english-translation/" target="_blank">English lyrical translation</a> = Kṛṣṇa Consciousmess Wow.
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<b>29.</b> Guru Guru - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVqkSPvSS6I" target="_blank">UFO</a></u></i> (1970)
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No <i>Hinten</i> (1971), no <i>Kanguru</i> (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/11/top-10-releases-of-1972.html" target="_blank">#9, 1972</a>)? Strange. Guru Guru is somewhat notable for their drummer, Mani, being the singer & bandleader. Yet more jazzy-jammy-trippy rock explorations into outer-space. Finishes up with "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOy1647ptng" target="_blank">Der LSD-Marsch</a>."
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<b>30.</b> Harmonia - <i>Musik von Harmonia</i> (1974)
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Okay, so - Harmonia is all of Cluster (Hans-Joachim Roedelius and Dieter Moebius) plus half of Neu! (Michael Rother). I think maybe it started off just a side-project lark, but turned out really good. Check out the "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kVr8_c-HJY" target="_blank">Watussi</a>" and the "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lfogw1M-f4o" target="_blank">Dino</a>."
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<b>31.</b> Harmonia - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVphe18ZlWY" target="_blank">Deluxe</a></u></i> (1975)
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Haha, "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCBXNm_xSRQ" target="_blank">Gollum</a>." Produced by Connie Plank (original member of Cluster)! Drums by Manu Neumeier (of Guru Guru)! I'm gonna get me this one. Gollum.
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<b>32.</b> Kraftwerk - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjSXWgXPeEM" target="_blank">Kraftwerk</a></u></i> (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9N6eItmh24" target="_blank"><u>1972</u>?</a>)
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Not sure which one this is supposed to be - the 1971 self-titled debut, or the 1972 sequel? There's links to both. I'm not saying Cope doesn't believe it, but it's questionable to leave off the entirety of Kraftwerk's more famous & influential later work. His list, though.
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<b>33.</b> La Düsseldorf - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxt7xaKUzsk" target="_blank">La Düsseldorf</a></u></i> (1976)
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The other half of Neu! (Klaus Dinger), plus his brother, plus a '72 Olympian. (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Lampe" target="_blank">Maybe?</a> seems unlikely...) "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQnnODwYUxo" target="_blank">Time</a>" from another 'Konrad Plank' production.
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<b>34.</b> La Düsseldorf - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCVdLVowYl0" target="_blank">Viva</a></u></i> (1978)
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What?! La Düsseldorf had some hits? Like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rheinita" target="_blank">Wiki-worthy</a> singles? Best-selling "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmOipW4GzwI" target="_blank">Rheinita</a>" (#3 in Germany), and the higher-charting "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZLJDWNdRVY" target="_blank">Silver Cloud</a>" (#2)... whoa.
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<b>35.</b> Moebius & Plank - <i>Rastakraut Pasta</i> (1980)
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Yeah, this is Dieter Moebius of Cluster and Conny Freakin' Plank, but still. I don't think this one's ever making my personal (lesser than Julian Cope's) Krautrock Top 50. Hmmm... post idea. Anyway, maybe I just take issue with the name and year and entire concept of this one: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5W-K-WZLFYY" target="_blank">Feedback 66</a>" and also "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5W-K-WZLFYY" target="_blank">News</a>."
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDJysUAFetrtvfo6lbApe0F7h24TJFOaoEaSzZQHGx2woYWWdjLEN8WFKx2dsnan2eFlSsghZrG-e_2kp7KEFXf1aGtn-BegEN8Df2PyJ1mAgG-uGmyT9EUkrjRRskcz-nktubQJSe6PM/s1600-h/Neu_.jpg"><img alt="Neu!" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404491355256612530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDJysUAFetrtvfo6lbApe0F7h24TJFOaoEaSzZQHGx2woYWWdjLEN8WFKx2dsnan2eFlSsghZrG-e_2kp7KEFXf1aGtn-BegEN8Df2PyJ1mAgG-uGmyT9EUkrjRRskcz-nktubQJSe6PM/s400/Neu_.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>
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<b>36.</b> Neu! - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQCTTvUqhOQ" target="_blank">Neu!</a></u></i> (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/11/top-10-releases-of-1972.html" target="_blank">#3, 1972</a>)
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I love Neu! Who doesn't? Maybe I should have started the list with this one. Maybe I do need to make my own Krautrock Top 50 Albums list. I love making lists! Who doesn't?<br />
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So this starts off with "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUTBb6cUL40" target="_blank">Hallogallo</a>," and that's enough to rank it high in any year. And guess who produced? Yup, Konrad 'Conny' Plank again. When you hear <i>motorik</i>, you should first hear Neu!, and then the other bands that followed them. We don't need no syncopation. "Sonderangebot" cymbal-swirls into your cerebral vortex. If you like what Pink Floyd was doing in 1972, or what The Alps were doing <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/09/alps-9-2008.html" target="_blank">in 2008</a>, you should like "Weissensee." Penultimate track "Im Glück" is drone/ambient ultimate. "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa5qmdltcCI" target="_blank">Negativland</a>" will destroy you. There's another part at the end ("Lieber Honig"), but I want to talk about how Side 2 comprises a three-part suite called <i>Jahresübersicht</i> [year overview]. There's no mention of that anywhere on my copy, but it's all over the internet. Always something...<br />
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O wait, <i><b>there</b></i> it is! It's written below Side 1's track list, at the bottom of a different column than its segment tracks' titles. I've never noticed that. Wild.
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<b>37.</b> Neu! - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu1x-EI_Dm8" target="_blank">Neu! 2</a></u></i> (1973)
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So this one. The sequel is somehow simultaneously way overrated and unfairly maligned. Yeah, opener "Für Immer" borders on self-plagiarism of previous opener "Hallogallo." Who's complainin'? And sure, all of Side 2 is basically speed-shifted self-remixes of previous tunes. What I want to know is whether Chrome ever covered "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7oFpbf1vIA" target="_blank">Lila Engel</a>." Also weird stuff about "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gaw2qi1-RJs" target="_blank">Super 16</a>" and the legacy from the <i>wuxia <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_of_the_Flying_Guillotine#Legacy" target="_blank">Master of the Flying Guillotine</a></i> (1976).
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<b>38.</b> Neu! - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01Ixex5iMbs" target="_blank">Neu! '75</a></u></i> (1975)
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So the opening track "Isi" was released as a British single but failed. Somehow it fails to surprise me that this wasn't 1975 UK chart material. I would recommend this one (black field, white letters) after the debut (white field, red letters) but before <i>Neu! 2</i> (white field, gray letters, pink number). "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB294ifyFbg" target="_blank">Hero</a>" is a great rock song - it is not about Batman, though.
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<b>39.</b> Popol Vuh - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U20MlfQWXgY" target="_blank">Affenstunde</a></u></i> (1970)
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Although the original Popol Vuh is a corpus of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popol_vuh" target="_blank">mytho-historical narratives</a> from the Postclassic Quiché Maya kingdom in Guatemala's western highlands, and the band has a prominent leader in Florian Fricke, the main connection that comes to mind will always be film-maker Werner Herzog. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popol_Vuh_(German_band)" target="_blank">Wikipedia lists</a> six soundtracks for some of his most famous movies, but it seems like more. Anyway, none of their albums listed here have anything to do with Herzog. Just thought I'd mention it.<br />
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Wiki also says their debut "can be regarded as one of the earliest space music works, featuring the then new sounds of the Moog synthesizer together with ethnic percussion." Not sure of the relevance, but here's 2004 re-release bonus track "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcWAKP64ua8" target="_blank">Train through Time</a>."
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<b>40.</b> Popol Vuh - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zFPQZ6yQiM" target="_blank">In den Gärten Pharaos</a></u></i> (1971)
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I dig this tripped-out, meditative spillage. The title track is the first side, and the second side is called just "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbQ1v-nCFjA" target="_blank">Vuh</a>." Organtastic!
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<b>41.</b> Popol Vuh - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns2nvj-VJqQ" target="_blank">Hosianna Mantra</a></u></i> (1972)
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Holy stylistic whiplash! So long electro-organ drones into the Pre-Columbian spirit mind, hello <i>piano-forte</i> exploration of European classical odes to Protestant joy. And here's a video for "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9q19C220Vvo" target="_blank">Kyrie</a>."
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<b>42.</b> Popol Vuh - <i>Einsjäger & Siebenjäger</i> (1974)
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Pretty sure this was the first Popol Vuh record I ever owned. Way more into a traditional jamband rock style than anything so far. Really nice, tuneful playing. I thought the title was something like "Earth and Sky," but maybe that came from the artwork - it actually translates literally as "one hunter & seven hunters." Starts off with "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5eAv_ZiL20" target="_blank">Kleiner Krieger / King Minos</a>," ends with the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wQTOX8iokM" target="_blank">massive title track</a>. For more on later Popol Vuh, check out <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/03/popol-vuh-grail.html" target="_blank">this old post</a>.<br />
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Hey, maybe I will leave this as one single mega-post!
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<b>43.</b> Tangerine Dream - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nsh2AgzJo3s" target="_blank">Electronic Meditation</a></u></i> (1970)
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Alright, so the debut album - and the only one to feature Klaus Schulze (Ash Ra's debut) and Conrad Schnitzler (original Cluster line-up), as well as constant TG main-man Edgar Froese. I haven't spent a lot of time with it, but seems like a total late-'60s freak-out. "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jeIW0hgvZg" target="_blank">Ashes to Ashes</a>" swings quite groovy.
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<b>44.</b> Tangerine Dream - <i>Alpha Centauri</i> (1971)
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Definitely the first Tangerine album I ever bought - probably not where I'd start with them. Like with some of the other bigger acts, I think I prefer the material later in or after Cope's timeframes. And as the title "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NlbAVYP7fg" target="_blank">Alpha Centauri</a>" would indicate, here is where their space music begins.
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<b>45.</b> Tangerine Dream - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xa0caJTfVc" target="_blank">Zeit</a></u></i> (1972)
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Okay, these next two are definitely getting there. I mean <b>OUT</b> there. I realize this one's a double-album of space-drones, but I <b><i>highly</i></b> suggest going through the whole experience.
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<b>46.</b> Tangerine Dream - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHzpT-n1NZM" target="_blank">Atem</a></u></i> (1973)
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Or maybe this one instead/as well... It's not a double, the overall tone is quite different. And to think, it actually / arguably gets better over the next handful of albums!
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<b>47.</b> Klaus Schulze - <i>Irrlicht</i> (1972)
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Nice video for "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHTaCVTqolA" target="_blank">1. Satz: "Ebene"</a>." Klaus Schulze has been mentioned before, as being present for the beginning phases of Ash Ra Tempel, Cluster, Tangerine Dream, in addition to facilitating the Cosmic Jokers' sessions. But he mainly worked alone, playing synthesizer music. Because I'd heard the most about <i>Timewind</i> (1975), I think that's his only solo record I've listened to. This was the first...
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<b>48.</b> Klaus Schulze - <i>Blackdance</i> (1974)
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And this was the third - skipping <i>Cyborg</i> (1973) for some reason. "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24Xpifl9bFU" target="_blank">Ways of Changes</a>" serves as the launchpad. You may also remember Klaus Schulze because he was my first guess when the Maserati merch-tablist told me that Jonas Reinhardt were <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/01/euphonious-kraut-metronomy.html" target="_blank">some German guy</a>.
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<b>49.</b> Walter Wegmüller - <i>Tarot</i> (1973)
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This is a real fun one - like a loonier Sergius Golowin (#28), backed by mostly The Cosmic Jokers (#19-23). It's mystical spoken-word in Swiss German, over rockin' Krautjams. Almost at random, check out "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vyxy5zRj6eg" target="_blank">Der Herrscher</a>" [The Emperor?] - less Tarotish, but more hilarious are the band introductions of "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiWETzjS0wc" target="_blank">Der Narr</a>" [The Fool]. But go ahead & <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Walter+Wegm%C3%BCller+Tarot&sm=3" target="_blank">explore around</a>. Here's some Major Arcana of <a href="http://adnil.com/CARDS/zigeuner.html" target="_blank">the Wegmüller deck</a>, which I think came with this original album.
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<b>50.</b> Witthüser & Westrupp - <i><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5cr4CiWU-U" target="_blank">Trips und Träume</a></u></i> (1971)
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And of course we should finish on an album that I know absolutely nothing about, at all. From a quick trip around the web via the search engine machine, I'm going to say: acid-prog-folk. The last song "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8kY6VTkjy0" target="_blank">Nimm doch einen Joint, mein Freund</a>" sounds in line with the first - a bit more jangly, jaunty and music-hall. Maybe not exactly my thing, but can't everything be.
Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-70165678709742500102013-11-25T07:08:00.000-06:002013-11-25T07:19:03.141-06:00Halve Maen - Double Leopards (#4, 2003)<br />
So, as I've said before...
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"Sound Holes" from <i>Halve Maen</i> (2003)<br />
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"This here's one dank record...
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"The Fatal Affront" from <i>Halve Maen</i> (2003)<br />
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The spell of mystical undead shaman, chanted from the ocean's floor, the waves are slow & hypnotic...
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"Druid Spectre" from <i>Halve Maen</i> (2003)<br />
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... phosphor light burns aqueous like distant lanterns, tendrils of seaweed envelop from below...
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"A Hemisphere in Your Hair" [excerpt] from <i>Halve Maen</i> (2003)<br />
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... or some creature of the blind depths grasping for prey?
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"Viking Blood" from <i>Halve Maen</i> (2003)<br />
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As you approach the surface, you start to worry about the bends..."
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"The Forest Outlaws" from <i>Halve Maen</i> (2003)<br />
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Yes, dank & deep. Hold your breath and dive for the bottom. Drowning in drone, grasping towards the sky, towards sanity.
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"Secret Correspondence I and II" from <i>Halve Maen</i> (2003)<br />
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These final two tracks had been unavailable for streaming...<br />
So there.
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<blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6fBLP00BG9hBtvFRii6-2NdZgwHsDIO-mLqz6OnFm7g-PM5_Pd6hLlweCCwa-s-5WwpGv63P0cJQWTpDJ0IvUZaO2pCXtAnY7Kmmn2CsWMFkhpKwSIi6-7MGsn3sLkgrszSNdBOZGrE/s1600/Back+Maen.jpg"><img style="margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6fBLP00BG9hBtvFRii6-2NdZgwHsDIO-mLqz6OnFm7g-PM5_Pd6hLlweCCwa-s-5WwpGv63P0cJQWTpDJ0IvUZaO2pCXtAnY7Kmmn2CsWMFkhpKwSIi6-7MGsn3sLkgrszSNdBOZGrE/s400/Back+Maen.jpg" border="0" alt="Back Maen"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5775399336860716018" /></a><br />
<br />Genre - Murk Ambient<br />Info - <a href="http://www.scaruffi.com/vol7/doublele.html" target=_blank>The History of Rock Music</a><br />Location - Brooklyn, NY<br /><br />Review - <a href="http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/2513-halve-maen/" target=_blank>Pitchfork</a><br />Download - later album <a href="http://www.insound.com/A-Hole-Is-True-MP3-Double-Leopards/P/INS44681/" target=_blank>from Insound</a> & <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/a-hole-is-true/id101184877" target=_blank>on iTunes</a><br />Purchase - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/sell/list?release_id=410869&ev=rb" target=_blank>used 2xLP's</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Halve-Maen-Double-Leopards/dp/B000J3Q0PC" target=_blank>used CD's</a>
</blockquote>Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-14577670467764256982013-11-24T17:08:00.000-06:002013-11-24T17:08:18.999-06:00It Still Moves - My Morning Jacket (#5, 2003)I'm sure I've told or mentioned this story a couple of times here, but this is probably my last opportunity. Other than going way way back in the past, it's been a long long time since I've looked to rock 'n' roll for my record-buying needs. And I'm talking beyond 2003, so even by then... Around that time, I read a review of this album somewhere - mostly likely a British music mag with the free comp CD, I'd guess <i>Uncut</i> over <i>Mojo</i> for MMJ. But I read both, so probably something like that.<br /><br />
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<iframe src="http://www.metacafe.com/embed/sy-14606086001/" width="440" height="248" allowFullScreen frameborder=0></iframe><br />
"One Big Holiday" from <i>It Still Moves</i> (2003)<br />
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Soon after, I found myself in Corporate_Record_Store_005 either looking for something specific or just killing time. This was in Shepherd Plaza (pre-Cactus), so either a Sound Warehouse, a Wherehouse, or whatever struggling chain came in after that. (Music Whorehouse??) Then either I remembered the review, or I just happened to notice the album cover. But it was already half-price! Which was like $8 at the time, so I bought it.
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"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdSiIVwyhz4" target=_blank>Mahgeeta</a>" from <i>It Still Moves</i> (2003)<br />
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So yeah, they were traditional. My Morning Jacket at this point was still kinda-rootsy, American, southern rock 'n' roll. I'd probably peg their latest obvious, direct influence at maybe 1973. They would start to modernize gradually on their next album, <i>Z</i> (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-10-new-releases-of-2005.html" target=_blank>#5, 2005</a>). But I still think this ol' timey stuff is what they did best.<br />
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Can't find it now, but someone else (not me) pointed out the similarities between MMJ's song "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXh7BrishrQ" target=_blank>Dancefloors</a>" and The Band's version of "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-iW1-xgLEY" target=_blank>Don't Do It</a>." So maybe that's part of it.
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<object width="380" height="214"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/59PfWt4X1-I?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/59PfWt4X1-I?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="214" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"Golden" from <i>It Still Moves</i> (2003)<br />
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I mean, it's kinda difficult to discuss any post-1969 Americana artist without reference to The Band, right? (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/01/top-20-albums-of-1969.html" target=_blank>co-#12, 1969</a>) But I think a couple of points are still valid & necessary... This style of music requires that you hold back occasionally - a lot of these songs are mid-tempo at best. The other point is that you've got to be able to both rock, and to mellow it down without completely laming out. The back part of the album settles into a cozy vibe, especially through the real nice trio of "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0Bl3K9mGKg" target=_blank>Rollin' Back</a>," "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_XdNn5a9dY" target=_blank>Just One Thing</a>," and "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybC1Dh4Jxw0" target=_blank>Steam Engine</a>."<br /><br />
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<object width="380" height="285"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/d-1dFDrVHHk?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/d-1dFDrVHHk?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="285" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"Run Thru (live)" from <i>Okonokos</i> (2006)<br />
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That one was particularly well-done when I caught them at Austin City Limits Festival, I'm thinking after <i>Z</i>. [Checking...] Nope, looks like it was the final song <a href="http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/my-morning-jacket/2004/zilker-park-austin-tx-53d50781.html" target=_blank>from 2004's ACL</a>. And then, the last time I saw MMJ live (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/01/best-live-music-of-2011-top-10-ish.html" target=_blank>#14 Live, 2011</a>), they only played the gnarly synth-breakdown jam, but not the whole song. Seemed kinda odd to me. Here's also the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L27MjAMwVmE" target=_blank>studio version</a>, if you want.<br />
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So as a post-script: I figured people I knew who preferred more 'normal' (non-weirdo) rock music might really get into this great band/album that I'd discovered. At least more than <i>Halve Maen</i>, right? Nah, not really... Took another few years & different albums for some friends to dig them, but it wasn't really this one. And they never took over quite like <b>Ween</b> did, just one year later.
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<blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjst9YP6b7fvvQE3phNPWwSKRXBOiYVzE13HamHlHCUIZmrCZwjKDU-jt-qV3yyNnqNofqt6cbV1DQpDdTKNARQ4YzgmZgcNkj1rFM5JDjBNtYIakK6REahz1O5QGFGGP1t0-lNImtLiRA/s1600/It+Still+Moves.jpg"><img style="margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjst9YP6b7fvvQE3phNPWwSKRXBOiYVzE13HamHlHCUIZmrCZwjKDU-jt-qV3yyNnqNofqt6cbV1DQpDdTKNARQ4YzgmZgcNkj1rFM5JDjBNtYIakK6REahz1O5QGFGGP1t0-lNImtLiRA/s400/It+Still+Moves.jpg" border="0" alt="It Still Moves"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5757657721015899170" /></a><br /><br />Genre - Rock 'n' Roll<br />Official - <a href="http://www.mymorningjacket.com/" target=_blank>mymorningjacket.com/</a><br />Myspace - <a href="http://www.myspace.com/mymorningjacket" target=_blank>myspace.com/mymorningjacket</a><br />Location - Louisville, KY<br /><br />Review - <a href="http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/mymorningjacket-itstillmoves" target=_blank>Pop Matters</a><br />Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/It-Still-Moves/dp/B0045T4PHG" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/it-still-moves/id278818185" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/It-Still-Moves-Morning-Jacket/dp/B0000C0FBM" target=_blank>Amazon</a>
</blockquote>
Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-14591797954824873842013-11-22T22:32:00.000-06:002013-11-22T22:39:45.345-06:00Desert Sessions 09 & 10 (06, '03)Since Queens of the Stone Age have just announced some <a href="http://qotsa.com/live/" target=_blank>2014 tour dates</a>, I guess I could re-start the 2003 countdown. These are the last two EP's of Josh Homme & associates' Desert Sessions project. PJ Harvey features prominently, and a buncha Dean Ween, plus all the regulars.<br />
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Here's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb1HWljc1hg" target=_blank>both EP's in full</a>.
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"Crawl Home" from <i>I See You Hearin' Me</i> (2003)<br />
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As with so much that happened before the last few weeks, I don't remember this. Official Desert Sessions videos in 2003? Where did they even play?<br /><br />
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<object width="380" height="285"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/W4O3LnDsPik?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/W4O3LnDsPik?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="285" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"<a href="" target=_blank>I Wanna Make It Wit Chu</a>" [live] from <i>I See You Hearin' Me</i> (2003)<br />
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Live promotional appearances?! A few years later, this track would <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wTxqHbJOzg" target=_blank>appear officially</a> on a proper Queens of the Stone Age release, <i>Era Vulgaris</i> (2007).
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGU5DMovAS3AhrwF2nGL-bbvLgFIrsXTP5TAkiyZdsj6_K9EBvUQmSsylAOcuEMRAAEfsgt0zXTeGz9dBCZuom1sVEsV8qFNPhJdF-s-vV2hyPIpPtXSB3xk74GDMeemmzIDpRLUrtBQ/s1600/Desert+Sessions+9.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGU5DMovAS3AhrwF2nGL-bbvLgFIrsXTP5TAkiyZdsj6_K9EBvUQmSsylAOcuEMRAAEfsgt0zXTeGz9dBCZuom1sVEsV8qFNPhJdF-s-vV2hyPIpPtXSB3xk74GDMeemmzIDpRLUrtBQ/s400/Desert+Sessions+9.jpg" border="0" alt="Desert Sessions 9"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5757656870376364610" /></a><br />
This one's got some <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Desert-Sessions-The-Desert-Sessions-9-10/release/687178" target=_blank>convoluted credits</a>, but other than the original studio "Make It Wit Chu," Deaner appears mostly on Vol. 10: <i>I Heart Disco</i>, the final chapter<br />
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<object width="380" height="214"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/JrE6MUO6_MM?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/JrE6MUO6_MM?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="214" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"In My Head... or Something" from <i>I Heart Disco</i> (2003)<br />
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And much like that tune, QOTSA later recycled "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69e8oa85F3g" target=_blank>In My Head</a>" for <i>Lullabies to Paralyze</i> (2005). There's a lot of different stuff going on all over the place... I'm just hittin' the highlights here.<br /><br />
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<object width="380" height="285"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/YaA8h9gusZM?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/YaA8h9gusZM?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="285" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"Subcutaneous Phat" from <i>I Heart Disco</i> (2003)<br />
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Like, see how different that one is that the previous "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFGxwqMKOdY" target=_blank>Creosote</a>?" Diversity!<br />
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And yet another thing that I'd never heard of was the "Crawl Home" single, with exclusive B-sides. PJ Harvey cover: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kF6TzHGHi80" target=_blank>The Whores Hustle and the Hustlers Whore</a>" (7")... and a Prince cover: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQGbRBLqnNU" target=_blank>It</a>" (CD). Glad I have the blog to make me learn things!<br />
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If you're into Queens of the Stone Age & the like, the rest of those people involved here are basically 'the rest of those people': Dave Catching, Twiggy Ramirez, Alain Johannes, Troy van Leeuwen, Chris Goss, Josh Freese, and Joey Castillo.
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<blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2D9NLMIbaX4uDvarJE6tnhI5xz2wj9z6MOrjoy-lBbCidmzcX3DM4k2cA9p_abiDEPm8yNArLBAnPeciabhtv9bB4KasSOb2ptxaDx9Y7QZ5pWI3UhrGwTYPb259A5sdAhLGK2aQDURg/s1600/Desert+Sessions+10.jpg"><img style="margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2D9NLMIbaX4uDvarJE6tnhI5xz2wj9z6MOrjoy-lBbCidmzcX3DM4k2cA9p_abiDEPm8yNArLBAnPeciabhtv9bB4KasSOb2ptxaDx9Y7QZ5pWI3UhrGwTYPb259A5sdAhLGK2aQDURg/s400/Desert+Sessions+10.jpg" border="0" alt="Desert Sessions 10"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5757657710524695250" /></a>
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Genre - Hangin' out & Messin' around...<br />Official - <a href="http://desertsessions.com/" target=_blank>desertsessions.com/</a><br />Myspace - <a href="http://www.myspace.com/desertsessions" target=_blank>myspace.com/desertsessions</a><br />Location - Joshua Tree, Calif.<br /><br />Review - <a href="http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/reviews/compact_discs/desert_sessions/vols_9__10/index.html" target=_blank>Ultimate Guitar</a><br />Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Desert-Sessions-Volume-10/dp/B000S54K76/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-desert-sessions-vols.-9-10/id65636853" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Desert-Sessions-Vols-10/dp/B0000DBO5M" target=_blank>Amazon</a>
</blockquote>
Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-15121684145575519052013-11-21T16:11:00.000-06:002013-11-21T16:11:21.312-06:00Mexico Psych-OutIf you like a certain type of garage-drone-psych rock that I will sometimes post about, get yerself ready...<br />
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This one's from Mexico!
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<object width="380" height="214"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/IpASRyIJk9Q?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/IpASRyIJk9Q?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="214" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"Sky is Hell Black" from <i>Sky Is Hell Black</i> (2013)<br />
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That's the title track from the new LP from Guadalajara's Has A Shadow. <a href="http://captcharecords.bandcamp.com/album/sky-is-hell-black" target=_blank>Order it</a> on ltd-ed clear vinyl "with Hell Black Haze." And/or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/HasAShadow" target=_blank>follow them</a> on Facebook.<br />
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What else we got here?
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"Drive" from <i>Sky Is Hell Black</i> (2013)<br />
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I was expecting clips from the film <i>Drive</i>, but I've never seen that one.<br /><br />
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<object width="380" height="214"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/R56ocqIludE?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/R56ocqIludE?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="214" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"May Never" from <i>Sky Is Hell Black</i> (2013)<br />
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Same YT user, different movie. Plus here's a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWz7Hmot7Jw" target=_blank>live version</a> of that same tune.<br /><br />
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<object width="380" height="285"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/1b2nVBiLup4?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/1b2nVBiLup4?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="285" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"John Lennon" from <i>Sky Is Hell Black</i> (2013)<br />
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Come on up to Houston, H.A.S. A Shadow!!<br />
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And... thanks for the tip, Reader X!Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-79207386292375021832013-11-19T19:19:00.001-06:002013-11-19T19:19:31.327-06:00Bend Beyond - Woods (#9, 2012)As always, I have very little of interest to say about Woods' music. I like it, think it's good. I know decent, law-abiding people that can't stands 'em. O well...
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<object width="380" height="214"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/D8SuI7BqKP0?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/D8SuI7BqKP0?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="214" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"Cali in a Cup" from <i>Bend Beyond</i> (2012)<br />
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Judging by the video exposure (which escaped me), I guess there was a pretty big push to make this record <i><b>happen</b></i>. Not sure how it went, but that would be nice.<br />
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Another good tune would be "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA8uHP7o8KA" target=_blank>Is It Honest?</a>"
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<object width="380" height="285"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/dfPCvHDd1HQ?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/dfPCvHDd1HQ?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="285" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"It Ain't Easy" from <i>Bend Beyond</i> (2012)<br />
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I guess I could say that Woods have pretty consistently cleaned things up since <i>Songs of Shame</i> (2009). They can still let things rip (especially live), but have trended more towards an easier vibe overall.<br />
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But not always: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU97G1BRbR4" target=_blank>Find Them Empty</a>."<br /><br />
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<object width="380" height="285"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/ogDwk_q6wKg?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/ogDwk_q6wKg?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="285" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"Size Meets the Sound" from <i>Bend Beyond</i> (2012)<br />
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Y'know, maybe I took Woods for granted last year... underestimated them... maybe #9 is too low. Or maybe all these official videos are working on me? It's <i><b>happening</b></i>.<br />
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Kinda classic: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Lgr-bqvQ-4" target=_blank>Impossible Sky</a>."<br /><br />
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<object width="380" height="214"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/e9s8R7VM9HU?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/e9s8R7VM9HU?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="214" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"Bend Beyond" [live] from <i>Bend Beyond</i> (2012)<br />
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And there's the sprawled-out live jam of that tune. I think you can select from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/WindowsHaveEyes/search?query=woods+storm+king" target=_blank>all the videos</a> of that 2012 outdoor show <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/WindowsHaveEyes/search?query=woods+storm+king" target=_blank>here</a></b>. Okay, and here's the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI9RHUpJWTY" target=_blank>studio title track</a>.<br />
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<blockquote><div class="separator">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tjbxrD0Su1AbU61z5ccEeb-6tSYFJl77bKXFcCtXb92aeBZhxW_wdX52ny4CwYZZYFtNf19VKjyhWf-Sj18Agptkp_AmEs7gLOry9SqLMMCtZPq4JTbTNIlcifXK5KAzu4U8yKqyY1Y/s1600/Bend+Beyond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="280" width="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tjbxrD0Su1AbU61z5ccEeb-6tSYFJl77bKXFcCtXb92aeBZhxW_wdX52ny4CwYZZYFtNf19VKjyhWf-Sj18Agptkp_AmEs7gLOry9SqLMMCtZPq4JTbTNIlcifXK5KAzu4U8yKqyY1Y/s400/Bend+Beyond.jpg" /></a></div>
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Genre - Psych-Folk-Pop<br />
Official - <a href="http://www.woodsist.com/" target=_blank>woodsist.com/</a><br />
Myspace - <a href="http://www.myspace.com/woodsfamilyband" target=_blank>myspace.com/woodsfamilyband</a><br />
Location - Brooklyn, New York City, NY<br />
<br />
Review - <a href="http://www.tinymixtapes.com/music-review/woods-bend-beyond" target=_blank>Tiny Mix Tapes</a><br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bend-Beyond/dp/B008Y8F000/" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bend-beyond/id553313262" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bend-Beyond-Woods/dp/B008KSFBIU/" target=_blank>Amazon</a> [& <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bend-Beyond-Woods/dp/B008KSFB4O/ref=tmm_vnl_title_0" target=_blank>on vinyl</a>]</blockquote>
Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-50050224507510424082013-11-17T14:53:00.001-06:002013-11-17T14:53:52.204-06:00Video Concerto Milanese<br />
<i>Ecce</i>, <b><a href="http://www.ursss.com/" target=_blank>URSSS</a></b>!<br />
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Full-show live videos, mostly or all from Milan - such as...
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<br />
<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/64133870?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff" width="380" height="214" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/64133870">MASERATI part 1</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/ursss">URSSS</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
On this most recent tour - says April 2013. They'd already been my own <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/01/best-live-music-of-2011-top-10-ish.html" target=_blank>#3 Live Show of 2011</a> and <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/12/top-10-live-shows-of-2009.html" target=_blank>#2 of 2009</a>.
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Oh, and also <a href="http://vimeo.com/67091215" target=_blank>Part B</a>.
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<br />
<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/62492218?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff" width="380" height="214" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/62492218">DEMDIKE STARE</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/ursss">URSSS</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
I also <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/08/demdike-stare-at-mangos.html" target=_blank>caught Demdike Stare</a> this year, about 5 months after that. Nice to have a(nother) good quality video of them live.<br />
<br />
Most recently featuring as <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/07/elemental-demdike-stare-4-2012.html" target=_blank>#4 of 2012</a>. And now a super-new <i><b>*NSFW*</b></i> official video: "<a href="http://vimeo.com/79211130" target=_blank>Transmission</a>."
<br /><br />
<br />
<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/77284581?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff" width="380" height="214" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/77284581">ROBEDOOR</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/ursss">URSSS</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
And that's the one that tipped me off, courtesy of <a href="http://rocketrecordings.blogspot.com/" target=_blank>Rocket Recordings blog</a>. Thanks!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzblw_8RbrdwOsP3__FApk3K9ZHnAoJ9aB6r_24u_Crpgj4e9bPOzof9dqUUhuztKihtyVALO_Y8B4hnpnyRDO_TQo6gN5AKLWJapPeVVpFKiyhgm4N8Y7S-_grE3C-4knzJ8gtOoC6hNK/s1600-h/Rancor+Keeper+Robedoor.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzblw_8RbrdwOsP3__FApk3K9ZHnAoJ9aB6r_24u_Crpgj4e9bPOzof9dqUUhuztKihtyVALO_Y8B4hnpnyRDO_TQo6gN5AKLWJapPeVVpFKiyhgm4N8Y7S-_grE3C-4knzJ8gtOoC6hNK/s400/Rancor+Keeper+Robedoor.jpg" border="0" alt="Rancor Keeper"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436825830912575074" /></a><br />
Robedoor probably peaked blogwise at <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2011/12/top-11-20-albums-of-2011.html" target=_blank>#11 Album of 2011</a>, but I think <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gtcxq6xLNT4" target=_blank>Rancor Keeper</a></i> (2007) is still my favorite.<br /><br />
<br />
<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/53076137?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff" width="380" height="214" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/53076137">MOON DUO</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/ursss">URSSS</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
Hey, look, it's Moon Duo! Whom everyone enjoyed at Austin Psych Fest earlier that same year & at Rudyard's that exact same month (<a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2013/01/top-10-live-shows-of-2012.html" target=_blank>#1 and #7 Live Shows, 2012</a>).
<br /><br />
<br />
<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/68261414?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff" width="380" height="214" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/68261414">MASTER MUSICIANS OF BUKKAKE</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/ursss">URSSS</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
Wow, not much about MMoB around here since <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2010/12/top-50-ish-records-of-2010-31-40.html" target=_blank>#37 Record of 2010</a>. Probably my fault, eh?<br />
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Anyway, feel free to explore around, and check in from time to time. <b><a href="http://www.ursss.com/" target=_blank>URSSS</a></b>!
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Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5624986853586750317.post-23671824575671856312013-11-16T08:07:00.000-06:002013-11-16T08:07:29.265-06:00Various releases - Gnod (#8, 2012)I'd actually say 2012 was kind of a mess for Gnod overall. But it was an interesting year, though maybe the last that I'm fully into... But no tellin' for sure!<br /><br />
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<object width="380" height="285"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/lU4PtNRR6iY?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/lU4PtNRR6iY?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="285" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"Genocider" from <i>Chaudelande, Vol. 2</i> (2012)<br />
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If you've been <a href="http://ingnodwetrust.tumblr.com/" target=_blank>following Gnod closely</a>, you've probably heard this old-school tune quite a few times. Maybe even have a few live recordings of it. <i>Volume II</i> eases in spare & slow with "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOLyapz9Ycg" target=_blank>Man on the Wire</a>," switches up to a Buttholesque double-drum tribal segment, then cools out smooth for the drone-disco final third. And the party ends with another live staple "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGVrD3IjoWg" target=_blank>Entrance</a>" (last 10 minutes of silence optional). Most of it's comprised of jammed-out <i>berserkr</i> drones and anguished howls. Typical.<br />
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Check out the combined V.1/V.2 CD-edition over <a href="http://rocketrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/chaudelande" target=_blank>at Bandcamp</a>. Also includes a different-version bonus track of...<br />
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"5th Sun" from 7" single (2012)<br />
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Then there was the ltd-ed ["very"], now-OOP surprise single from Ireland's <a href="http://www.trensmat.com/" target=_blank>Trensmat Records</a>. A label worth closely watching... Plus I think I like the trippy <a href="http://soundcloud.com/trensmat/tr030-b-sample-wav?in=trensmat/sets/gnod-5th-sun" target=_blank>b-side version</a> even better!<br /><br />
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<object width="380" height="214"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/CTTsPL22AHA?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/CTTsPL22AHA?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="214" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
<i>Innerspace Broadcasts, Vol. 3</i> by Black Gnod [Gnod + Black Bombain] (2012)<br />
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Further, there was a super-ltd-ed [of 160], now-OOP surprise livejam collaboration with Portugal's <a href="http://blackbombaim.bandcamp.com/" target=_blank>Black Bombain</a> on Leeds' <a href="http://cardinalfuzz.bigcartel.com/" target=_blank>Cardinal Fuzz</a>. That's the whole CD right there!<br /><br />
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<iframe style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 42px;" src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3456589000/size=small/bgcol=333333/linkcol=0f91ff/t=1/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="http://rocketrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/collisions-03">Collisions 03 by Gnod</a></iframe><br />
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Wow. I'm a little surprised to find it, but there's Rocket Recordings' own ltd-ed [of 1,000], now-OOP split-EP with $hit + $hine. Just don't find myself listening to this one all that often.<br /><br />
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<object width="380" height="214"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/Wdi2tuz_SM4?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/Wdi2tuz_SM4?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="214" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
"Visions of Load" from <i>Chaudelande, Vol. 1</i> (2011)<br />
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O yeah, and there's a 2013 official video for "Visions of Load" off <i>Chaudelande, Vol. 1</i> (part of <a href="http://astralheadspace.blogspot.com/2012/03/ingnodwetrust-et-cetera-gnod-3-2011.html" target=_blank>#3, 2011</a>). That tune appears on the only live Gnod tape currently downloadable <a href="http://soundcloud.com/gnod/gnod-live-fat-out-fest" target=_blank>from their SoundCloud</a>.
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<blockquote><div class="separator">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5fOe5yf8K40nL84tS04gsSqXz5rueENZ_CWLh39KWEu9Onuzf27cdDyDcecUwnUYxqJJFbtaosCdo8DXXQfSR7E07kHH4F-UivkwliFq8YdY2TeXubYR7uVOmy8rL4voQBUYKUOlHsk/s1600/Chaudelande+Vol+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="291" width="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5fOe5yf8K40nL84tS04gsSqXz5rueENZ_CWLh39KWEu9Onuzf27cdDyDcecUwnUYxqJJFbtaosCdo8DXXQfSR7E07kHH4F-UivkwliFq8YdY2TeXubYR7uVOmy8rL4voQBUYKUOlHsk/s400/Chaudelande+Vol+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Genre - Machine Noise-Drone<br />
Official/tumblr - <a href="http://ingnodwetrust.tumblr.com/" target=_blank>ingnodwetrust.tumblr.com/</a><br />
Myspace - <a href="http://www.myspace.com/gnodgnod" target=_blank>myspace.com/gnodgnod</a><br />
Location - Salford, England<br />
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Review - <a href="http://writingaboutmusic.blogspot.com/2012/03/gnod-chaudelande-volume-2-tamed-records.html" target=_blank>Writing About Music</a> blog<br />
Download - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_srch_drd_B004TKHUGO?ie=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=digital-music&field-keywords=Gnod" target=_blank>Amazon</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/gnod/id427615187" target=_blank>iTunes</a><br />
Purchase - <a href="http://www.tamedrecords.com/shop/gnod-chaudelande-volume-ii-lp" target=_blank><i>Chaudelande, Vol. 2</i></a></blockquote>Owlbear Mediatribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07622563790687838481noreply@blogger.com0