David - Addison Store
07/27/05
David Douglas
Lee Perry
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I am the Upsetter
Does the world really need another Lee Perry compilation? On the evidence of this Trojan offering, which covers Perry's pioneering productions from the period 1968 - 1978, the answer is an emphatic yes!
From rock steady, disc one moves to early reggae, People Funny Boy, and skinhead instrumentals inspired by spaghetti Westerns, Clint Eastwood and Return of Django. Dave Barker (of Dave and Ansel Collins fame) doubles up as soul singer and funk deejay, and then it's on to roots from The Wailers and Junior Byles, with an early U Roy in Rasta mode and even a song advertising Perry's record shop, Check Him Out. Disc two brings out Perry's absorption of soul influences, from Stax and Philly to Al Green and Millie Jackson (Susan Cadogan's UK hit Hurt So Good). There's also some quirky funk in the shape of Bathroom Skank, and bona fide roots classics from The Gatherers and Junior Byles. The most astonishing track here, though, is Cow Thief Skank, complete with it's original Staples Singers intro, a cut-and-paste collage that predates hip-hop by nearly a decade and remains one of the craziest records ever made! The third CD concentrates on the inimitable soundscapes created by Perry in his Black Ark studio in the latter half of the 70's, a period covered on previous Trojan and Island box-sets. While the originals are absent, there are versions of familiar tunes by Max Romeo and Junior Murvin. The last five tracks - notably Junior Delgado's blistering Sons of Slaves, are all extended. The final CD consists of instrumentals and dub, including a track from the classic Blackboard Jungle( one of the earliest dub albums), another version of Police and Thieves and a ten-minute Black Ark mix of To Be a Lover, both featuring Augustus Pablo's melodica. There are plenty of Upsetter CD's around, but as an overview of Perry's unique contribution to Jamaican music, this has no rival.
Dubble D
07/27/05
David Douglas
Various
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The Future Sound of Jazz Vol 10
I'll have to admit to being a bit skeptical about vol 10 of this once great series, as the last few haven't been up to usual standards, but I'm here to tell you this is one of the best this series has ever put out! This vol mixes it up with a delightfully disparate line-up: house heroes Fred Everything, techno titans Ricardo Villalobos, retro hipsters Hot Chip and production legend Maurice Fulton as Syclops, and Michael Reinboth's reworking of Cal Tjader's Los Bandidos. So give the new vol 10 of this series a try, it is certainly the hottest edition Compost Records have released in a few years. They've maintained the chill-out aesthetic of the series while still pushing the boundaries of the sound with panoramic producers.
07/12/05
David Douglas
Susana Baca
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The Best of Susana Baca
There is apparently a new album from Susana Baca in the pipeline. Meanwhile, to coincide with her summer tour we get this 12 track compilation from her first three solo albums, plus Mario Lando, the intoxicating track that first introduced us to her velvet-toned voice back in 1995 via the David Byrne-compiled Afro-Peruvian Classics - The Soul of Black Peru. If you don't own her records, it's a fine introduction that reflects the winning simplicity of her 1997 debut album as well as the more adventurous tracks enhanced by the electric guitar loops of Marc Ribot from 2002's Espirita Vivo. In the middle came her second album, Eco de Sombras. It's stand- out track Valentin, featuring the guitar of David Byrne, is included here, with a bonus video of the song on which Ribot, Byrne and keyboardist John Medeski join Baca's regular backing band. There is even a very cool jazz remix of Afro-Blue/Zum Zum by Koop to further the sound's of Susana Baca, one of the greatest singers alive! Thanks again to David Byrne for introducing us to this incredible talent.
Dubble-D
06/29/05
David Douglas
Four Tet
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Everything Ecstatic
Remember that scene in The Wall when Bob Geldof goes nuts and destroys anything and everything in his apartment? Judging from the increased intensity of "Ecstatic" compared to his previous albums, you get the sense that's how Four Tet, aka Keiran Hebden, felt after reading 8,000 articles about him mentioning the word "Folktronica." Given the skittering, pounding and downright hellacious drums that dominate the mix throughout "Ecstatic," it's safe to say Four Tet won't be making a career out of the "f-word" heaped upon 2003's "Rounds." Not to say he's lost his fondness for upbeat melodies (song titles include words like "joy," "smile," and "sun") but the UK musician/DJ's gotten more aggressive and it works! "Ecstatic" may not be the warm follow-up some people were expecting, but it's an equally fascinating, engaging album that continues to blur the boundaries between electronic, and organic music.
Dubble-D
06/21/05
David Douglas
Bill Laswell Presents
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Trojan Dub Massive vol. 1 and vol. 2
Bill Laswell's shape shifting career - as label chief, performer, and legendary producer - has never been anything less than broad ranging and masterful. With a discography that begins in the '70s, and shows no sign of slowing, Laswell's latest endeavor is a reinterpretation of choice selections from Trojan Records' historical archives, and as he achieved greatness on Bob Marley's "Dreams of Freedom," and Miles Davis'"Panthalassa," the results are stellar! Laswell reconstructs the treasured recordings of King Tubby, The Upsetters, Prince Jammy, Augustus Pablo, Gregory Isaacs, and well you get the idea, virtually all the great Reggae artists of the golden 70's roots rockers. With consistency as his forte, Bill Laswell's latest offering reflects his status as a fearless musician who prolifically tackles projects that most producers wouldn't dare touch-and probably couldn't even if they wanted to! Turn up the bass!
Dubble-D
06/02/05
David Douglas
Nostalgia 77
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The Garden
A healthy funk movement is rippling through dance music these days. Live instruments seem to be making a comeback, and songs with raw emotion are emerging from studios around the world. Heading up this real music revolution is Tru Thoughts- a small outfit out of Brighton, England best known for introducing the world to Quantic. A young fabricator of funk, his Mishaps Happening album was one of 2004's most moving works (and was reviewed by yours truly!). California's Ubiquity Records is partnering with Tru Thoughts to spread their heavy sound stateside, and Nostalgia 77 is the next player in this old-school revival. Ben Lamdin is Nostalgia 77 : a former hip-hop producer having an intense love affair with jazz. The Garden, is a haunting sonic world created by a crew of Brighton's finest players letting loose under Lamdin's direction. All cuts contain a deep, heavy groove that guides listeners into new territory, never losing their modern edge and delivery. A hard-hitting cover of The White Stripes Seven Nation Army features the wailing vocals of British siren Alice Russell, bringing the album to a heated climax. And speaking of Alice Russell, she is also the featured vocalist for the new Quantic Soul Orchestra album Pushin' On, which I will be reviewing very soon, so for now enjoy this new generation of jazz!
Dubble-D
05/10/05
David Douglas
Everything But The Girl
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Adapt or Die : 10 Years of Remixes
In 1994, tender pop stylists EBTG (Ben Watt and Tracy Thorn) became radically transformed into dance music mavericks courtesy of Todd Terry's brilliant reconstruction of their single Missing. The mix became that year's global dance anthem and mainstream crossover smash. its success would reinvent the chart-topping British duo and their subsequent full-lengths (Walking Wounded, Tempermental), while unearthing a desire in Watt to explore deeper into the underground of dance. Adapt or Die compiles 14 re-rubs of the pair's most well-loved songs from the latter period of their career (many rare and previously unreleased) onto one disc. It's hard to imagine that it's been 10 years since Watt was re-imagined into one of dance music's most dedicated disciples, yet this collection is a testament to that enduring legacy. Several new reconstructions from luminaries like DJ Jazzy Jeff (whose hypnotic soul reinvention of Mirrorball is the perfect opener), King Britt, Kenny Dope, Todd Terry are highlights.But Adam F's sensuous jazzy drum'n'bass remix of Before Today, Brad Wood's breathtaking recreation of the moody opus Single, the brooding down tempo Pull Timewarp mix of Tempermental, and the throbbing opulence of Jay Sinister Sealee's remix of Lullaby of Clubland, are the release's most potent and intriguing entries. Come check it out soon on our Pick's Player and celebrate a band I have been into for over twenty years now!
Dubble-D
04/21/05
David Douglas
Manuel 'Guajiro' Mirabal
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Buena Vista Social Club presents Manuel 'Guajiro' Mirabal
This album will not be entirely surprising to fans of the World Circuit Cuban records from Buena Vista to Ibrahim Ferrer to the Afro-Cuban All-stars.The same great musicians feature, like Cachaito Lopez on bass, Carlos Gonzalez and 'Anga' Dias on percussion with Manuel Galban on guitar. The material consists of reworkings of the classic songbook of Arsenio Rodriguez, the revolutionary blind band leader who transformed the sound of Cuban music in the 40s and 50s, and this is the style of his great conjuntos of that era. This was recorded in EGREM Studios; label boss Nick Gold and Jerry Boys production and recording are peerless. Guajiro Mirabel was a key figure on all the World Circuit albums. Now 71, he gets his first solo record, with his instantly recognizable, melodically fluid trumpet pushed to the fore, although other more familiar characters like Ferrer get to guest on several tracks, notably on "Me Bote de Guano", which features Roberto Fonseca's inventive piano soloing (the late Ruben Gonzalez plays piano on the quirky final track "Dombe Dombe", which he personally requested be on the album). The album has a warm feel, as you might expect from the mainly live recordings, intimate acoustics and a group of musicians utterly comfortable with each other. Demetrio Muniz's delirious brass arrangements are truly exceptional. Indeed, the playing, material and production are first rate. Surprising? Perhaps not. A fabulous record and one of the best of the World Circuit series? Absolutely! Dubble-D
04/14/05
David Douglas
Boom Bip
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Blue Eyed in the Red Room
Boom Bip has been producing emotive electronic music that bridges the gap between Boards of Canada, indieavant-hop and Aphex Twin for a while now. Coming up in the relatively unexciting Midwestern confines of Cincinnati, a recent move to the endless summer of Southern California has had a subtle but profound effect on his music. While tinges of IDM still linger (the Autechre-ish "The Move"), sun-drenched epics like "Dos and Donts" reference TV on the Radio with spooky choirs and the vocals of Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals. "Girl Toy" even touches on electronica like Ultramarine with its hypnotic feelings.Boom Bip can evoke a tangible humanity from his machines, especially on the dreamy "The Matter(of our Discussion)," where Nina Nastasias clear, warm tones perfectly capture the songs melancholy mood. This album is an ideal response to claims that electronic music has no soul.
04/05/05
David Douglas
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings
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Naturally
Sharon Jones voice pours out loud and clear as she tells tales of life and love with vintage soul style. Solid, groove-heavy backing from the Dap Kings compliments Jones hollers, wails and scoops, recalling an era of jive talkin and long cool nights. Naturally is a honest-to-goodness rhythm and blues record that makes no excuses as it swings. Jumpers like Fish In My Dish and Your Thing Is A Drag dare hips not to swivel, while laments such as Stranded in Your Love awaken the wistful. Naturally resists the tendency of throwback records to fall into parody drawing the listener back to the days when music was pure. In todays saturated world of sugar-coated faux-soul and cliched pop singers, Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings are a welcome foray into the meaty savor of our funky heritage! Dubble-D
03/15/05
David Douglas
Domenico + 2
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Sincerely Hot
David Byrnes ever reaching presence in presenting music from around the world has been going on for over 10 years with the crucial Luaka Bop label, and their latest release ( from Brazil), is Domenico + 2, Sincerely Hot, and it will be sure to please.This is the second of three albums by Brazilian musicians Domenico, Moreno Veloso, and Kassin, with each member taking the lead on a different record. The first release brought a great deal of attention to bear on singer/instrumetalist Velosos pan-national style. Now its drummer Domenicos turn on point, and he accomplishes nearly the same feat! Opener Alegria Vai La is a percussive-forward piece that only a drummer could conceive, and the hip-hop inspired samba of Te Convidei Pro Samba is equally rhythmic. But Possibildade, with its happy-go-lucky flutes, guitars and trombones, proves that song craft doesnt play second fiddle to any particular beat. Kassin produced this whole affair, with his delicate synthetics never obscuring the core musicians, yet you can tell this would be a sleeper without his effect-laden touch. Looking forward to when he steps front and center on the final album, and thanking David Byrne for taking us on the journey!
02/08/05
David Douglas
Various
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Rewind! Vol. 4
First off, I want to thank all of our great customers for the positive feedback on our new space (its great!), and invite all of you who havent, to come see our new digs and reacquaint yourself with the new world! Well it is a new year, and with that , another version of Ubiquitys great Rewind! series, this making volume 4. As a reminder, the Rewind! series invites artists, producers, and bands to record new versions of classic,underground, or favorite tunes that inspired them. As with volume 3 these tracks are all made from scratch- there are no remixes, re-edits, or samples from the originals. This particular volume is one soulful, funky brew of tunes from artists I wasnt familiar with, but what a great collection it is! Starting with a great soul version o Woody Guthries This Land is my Land (has Woody ever sounded this funky?!) from Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, this couldnt have come at a better time.
Another great gem is Nostalgia 77s funk, soul version of the White Stripes 7 Nation Army, watch for their new album in mid 2005. Right out of LA is Orgones great afro-beat meltdown of Funky Nassau, proving that the spirit of Fela is alive and well all over the world! Anyway I think you get the idea of what the Rewind! series is all about, and I invite you to come check out volume 4 as soon as possible, it just might be the best of the series so far. Hey its a good excuse to drop into our new location! Dubble-d
01/05/05
David Douglas
Earl Chinna Smith
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Dub It!
It has definitely been a great year for re-issues, especially for those of us in the Reggae world, just the Trojan re-issue series alone can keep a man very busy! But then out of nowhere you get an essential release from some label out of left field, like this crucial release from Nature Sounds (where did this label come from!), Earl Chinna Smiths Dub It ! Earl was a major part of the early 80s Dancehall movement, as his band, The High Times Players, along with The Roots Radics Band and Sly and Robbies Taxi Gang were the most sought after groups of the day.Dub It ! is the long overdue (22 years!), dub version of Mutabarukas classic 1982 album Check It !. The combination of Chinnas production, The High Times Players musicianship, and Mutabarukas relentless, uncompromising, insightful, and sometimes uncomfortable words created a potent blend that came to be known as Dub Poetry. This version, in the true Dub spirit, virtually eliminates Mutabarukas words, except for the occasional vocal floating through the mix, we are left with the wonderful skeletal dub from The High Times Players Band which included amongst others, Carlton Barrett, Wire Lindo, (both from The Wailers), Leroy Horsemouth Wallace, Augustus Pablo, Dean Frazier, Nambo, and Bobby Ellis creating a virtual whos who of Jamaican music at the time. This is a seriously dread affair with some of the best dubs you will ever hear, heavy duty basslines, rim shots that stretch out to eternity, keys, horns, melodicas, and some great Nyabinghi percussion all sneaking into Chinnas Dub production. This is a dub of the whole Check It! album with the addition of 4 bonus tracks, making a long overdue appearance, I say check it as soon as possible and thank you Nature Sounds, whoever you are!!
12/08/04
David Douglas
Linton Kwesi Johnson
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Live in Paris
LKJ is all you need to say to those of us that have celebrated each new release of Linton Kwesi Johnson, the father of Dub Poetry. You see, Linton started out as a poet, but discovered that his cadence and certainly his subject matter (the plight of the English black man), were a perfect match with the Dub Reggae sounds of Dennis Bovell (the great English Bassist, Producer, and Band Director, and also founding member of Matumbi). This new live release recorded in 2003 at the Zenith, in Paris, France, celebrates the 25 years LKJ and the Dennis Bovell Dub Band have been together. Going through his 25 year career, Live in Paris, showcases music from his earliest release like,Dread Beat an Blood, as well as classics such as Sonnys Lettah, Fite Dem Back, Mekkin Histri, Tings and Times, as well as more recent material such as the poignant More Time. Englands number one poet, combined with an ace band, delivers more than just a fantastic reggae album, its the sound of a mighty artist at the height of his powers. Come celebrate 25 years of LKJ.
11/30/04
David Douglas
Paul Simon
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Graceland
I was very excited about the Paul Simon re-issues, as he has always been one of my favorite artists, but the one I was looking forward to the most was, Graceland, which is one of my all time favorites! This was a period when Paul was really taken with African music, especially Mbaquaga, the street music of South Africa. He not only brought these elements together for Graceland, he even went to Africa to use some of the musicians he had been exposed to. Especially popular were the songs, Homeless and Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes, which featured the wonderful acapella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The album kicks off with, The Boy in the Bubble, which feature the strong accordion jive sounds that Paul was so into, and also has Adrian Belew on synthesizer guitar. There are also songs like, Graceland and Under African Skies, that will remind you of classic Juluka or Johnny Clegg & Savuka. The two album closers have some great Zydeco sounds, and show how closely they are related to the sounds of South Africa. That Was Your Mother, has Good Rockin Dopsie and the Twisters, while the last track and one of Pauls finest moments, All Around the World or Myth of Fingerprints, has a great Zydeco kick courtesy of Los Lobos (who will be at The Granada Theater on DEC 1). Not only worth it for the great re mastered sound, but also adding three demo versions as a bonus. Still as fresh as it was in 1986!
11/16/04
David Douglas
Wishbone Ash
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Time Was : The Live Anthology
We are so excited to have Wishbone Ash coming to the Granada Theatre on Sunday Nov 28, its been a long time since they were in Dallas, and while Andy Powell is the only original member left, he has had this version of Wishbone Ash for about 10 years, and they are as excellent as always! So I thought it would be a good chance to talk about a new release from Wishbone Ash called,Time Was:The Live Anthology, which is a double disc chronicling what Wishbone Ash does best, playing live! Disc 1 is a show from Japan in 1991 featuring original members Andy Powell, Martin Turner, Ted Turner, along with drummer Ray Weston, which of course features tracks from their classic Argus album like, The King Will Come, Throw Down The Sword, Time Was, and Blowin Free, and shows their dual guitar attack in fine form. Even their newer tracks at the time, Lost Cause In Paradise, Standing In The Rain, and Strange Affair, still retain the timeless quality of classic Wishbone Ash! Disc 2 features my favorite Wishbone Ash lineup of, Andy Powell, Laurie Wisefield, Martin Turner, and Steve Upton, but also featured an additional keyboardist, Graham Maitland, which makes this even more unique because Ive never heard them with a keyboardist before. Most of disc 2 was recorded in Davenport 1976, on a tour for one of the lesser known Wishbone albums, Locked In, and feature some of my favorite tracks on that album like, Rest In Peace, Moonshine, and Half Past Lovin, and shows why Andy Powell and Laurie Wisefield were two of the best guitarists of the time. The sound quality is excellent throughout and makes me even more excited about their upcoming Granada Theatre show, see you Sunday Nov 28!
11/09/04
David Douglas
Little Axe
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Champagne & Grits
Ambient, dub, blues, that was the description of the first Little Axe album The wolf that house built, from 1994 on theold Okeh label. I thought this was going to be a one off project from the longtime On-u Sound sidekick Skip McDonald,but here we are 9 years later with their fourth release and first for Peter Gabriels Real World label. This picks right up with what they have been doing all along, taking samples of old blues and spoken word snippets, and weaving their ambient,dub treatments around them to beautiful effect. Champagne & Grits, is actually a more straight forward song collection this time around, not using quite as many samples, and bringing in guest vocalists such as Bernard Fowler, Ghetto Priest,Shara Nelson, the great reggae singer Junior Delgado, and on their most unique collaboration with ex-Squeeze guitarist and vocalist Chris Difford for the great song All in the same boat, which sounds like Squeeze as fronted by a bluesband! Even though this is a modern take on blues, its still inspired by what blues has always been based on, which istough times, as evidenced by some of the song titles such as, Mean streets Go away devil living and sleeping in a dangerous time and Will i ever get back home again. This is serious music for those fans of blues and dub to embrace.We also have a great new Putumayo release called Blues Lounge, which features two tunes from Little Axe and tracksfrom other groups using blues as their springboard for something new and exciting.
11/02/04
David Thomas
Beastie Boys
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Some Old Bullshit
If the Beastie Boys had stayed a punk band Im pretty sure no one would have heard of them past the 80s or outside of New York. This disc is full of fairly uninspired but catchy tunes; its importance is in the songs toward the end of the disc which showed the direction the band would head on later releases. Some Old Bullshit starts out with a DJ talking about a show that The Beasties played with The Bad Brains the night before and then the disc launches into Egg Raid On Mojo and you discover that the vocal style is a direct rip-off of H R (lead singer for Bad Brains) in fact there is a Reggae track (Beastie Revolution) which minus the horrible white boy lyrics could be a Bad Brains song. The worst aspect of this disc are the nine hundred re-workings of the worst song on it (Cookie Puss) I can see no reason they wanted to cram this song down everyones throat. All in all an interesting disc with a little bit for everyone.
11/02/04
David Douglas
Kings of Convenience
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Riot On An Empty Street
Here is yet more proof that Astalwerks is a label at the top of its game and is releasing some of the best albums of the year, including The Kings of Convenience Riot On An Empty Street. This is very soft, contemplative music made by Eirik Glambek Boe and Erlend Oye from their home in Norway. This is a must have for fans of Belle and Sebastian, Nick Drake, Simon and Garfunkel and even at times reminds me of one of my favorite eighties bands, Prefab Sprout. This is the type of acoustic based music where you hear every moment on their nylon and steel string guitars, with additional piano, strings and stand up bass and even a drum shows up on occasion! These guys can say so much and use so little and its not all heady material as they also humor in Id Rather Dance With You where they dont want any misinterpretations, so let you hips do the talking. So if you are looking for that perfect album for a quiet Sunday afternoon, look no further than The Kings of Convenience. Brilliant!!
10/18/04
David Thomas
Asie Payton
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Worried
I had forgotten how much I loved this album. I was digging around thru the stacks of possible blues choices and re-discovered Worried by Asie Payton. For fans of the crunchier side of the blues coin this disc is made for you. Fat Possum Records shines with this release custom made for fans of The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion or R.L. Burnside. From the two versions of I Love You to the hauntingly dragging tone of Nobody But You this disc works.
10/18/04
David
VHS or Beta
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Night on Fire
Astralwerks is all I need to see on our new release sheet to know it is one of the first things Ill be checking out, because they are one of the best labels putting out music today, not to mention the last 10 years. I noticed VHS or Beta a few weeks ago and have been jamming this one almost everyday since. These guys put beat into their groove and Im talking about big, bootylicious disco beats that should have you dancing like Napoleon Dynamite. This is no cheesy dance music though, this is Craig Pfunder and Zeke Buck (out of Louisville, KY) laying down their serious beat assault with slash and burn guitars that will remind you of early Cure records, especially with their Robert Smith sounding vocals. My favorite track No Cabaret reminds me of Gang of Fours Songs of the Free and there is certainly nothing wrong with that. Out of the 10 tracks on the album, 3 are instrumentals, and show these guys to be great musicians and again I cant emphasize the great guitar licks these two guys spin around each other (they are my new Wishbone Ash!) I noticed one of the producers was Adam Dorn aka Mocean Werker, who put out a great album himself earlier this year called Enter the Moko which is currently in our electronic listening station. So again, many thanks to Astralwerks for consistently putting out great music. Be sure to check out VHS or Beta at the Gypsy Tea Room on Mon., Nov. 8 with the Fever opening and make sure to bring your dancing shoes.
09/20/04
David
The Dzihan & Kamien Orchestra
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Live in Vienna
Alot of people still think of electronic music as just a person or two sitting in a studio putting together sounds,but not actually involving a band. But those of us in the know have seen such a change in electronic music over the years, that many of these artists do bring in the human element of a band, and nothing captures this aspect more than Dzihan & Kamien with their orchestra on this fine live album from their home base of Vienna, Austria. The orchestra consists of 18 musicians (including horns and a 7 piece string section!), plus the vocals of Ma Dita and Ozden Oksuz, tearing through material on their two albums, 2000s Freaks and Icons and 2002s Gran Riserva. This is world music filtered through with alot of jazz and a strong funk element provided by the superb Willi Langer on bass. This is top notch musicianship played before a very enthusiastic home crowd, and definitely shines a different light on electronic music. Kudos to the Six Degrees label out of San Francisco, who have put out some of the best world and electronic albums over the last 5 years, and all of the Dzihan & Kamien releases are amongst the best, especially this exciting live chronicle.
09/13/04
David Douglas
Antibalas
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Who is this America?
The spirit of Fela Kuti and his music still has a very strong presence today, and you cant get any better than the racially mixed New York based collective known as Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra. This is the type of music Fela revolutionized in the early 70s, politically motivated lyrics surrounded by a big band (at least 14 members!), that will not only have you thinking, but also seriously shaking your ass! Who is this America, is their third album and it immediately takes aim at George W, in the very inspired title track as well as in Big Man. Antibalas are in fine form throughout, the horn section blowing hard over a bed of steady rhythm, African percussion, and sinuous guitar lines. Do yourself a favor and check Antibalas live at Trees this Saturday Sept 18 in their first ever appearance in Dallas, it should be one of the best of the year! Another side note to check out is their keyboardist Victor Axelrods side project Easy All Stars dub reggae version of Pink Floyds Dark Side of THe Moon, in stock at CD World.
08/30/04
David
Martina Topley
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Bird
For those fans who embraced Trickys magnificent 1995 debut Maxinquaye and his secret weapon, a then nineteen year old singer who just went by Martina, this official debut by Martina Topley- Bird will be a must have. Martina has such a soulful voice and it is featured front and center on every track, and with help from Tricky on most of the songs, they have continued the trip-hop theme they created on trickys earlier albums, but also expanding their sound to include blues, soul and even rock on one song Need One featuring Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age and Mark Lanegan. Most of the tracks were mixed by Tchad Blake (Los Lobos, Latin Playboys, Soul Coughing), so there are all kinds of sounds and really no conventional time signatures, which makes for very good headphone listening. So, you fans of Tricky, Massive Attack and Portishead will find this new release on the Palm Picture label, will be one to pick up as soon as possible.
08/23/04
David
The Orb
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Bicycles & Tricycles
Its been 3 years since weve had a proper release from The Orb, and as always its well worth the wait. Dr Alex Patterson with long time collaborators, Thomas Fehlmann, Simon Phillips, John Roome, and Jimmy Caulty, have constructed another great album showcasing their influences such as, Brian Eno(who Alex worked for in the mid eighties), Pink Floyd, Lee Scratch Perry, and Killing Joke. Starting off the album with the ambient groove of Orb is and the great dub track Aftermath and continuing with their use of environmental textures, clanging, gritty percussion, and humorous samples, they have crafted another great psychedelic album for the 21st century. After a few tracks in the middle that utilize a bit more of an industrial feel, they end with one of their best ever dub tracks in Tower Twenty Three and the wonderful ambient track Kompania, which sounds like something from Pink Floyds Wish You Were Here! Even after 16 years The Orb still know how to make a vital electronic album, check this one on our electronic sound station today.
08/09/04
David
Starsky and Hutch
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Starsky and Hutch - DVD (rated PG-13)
I just finished watching Starsky and Hutch for the second time. From asking around I found most people had the same opinion I had upon hearing they had made this movie, why? But I began hearing from friends that are film geeks that they loved it so I thought I would give it a shot. It is a Todd Phillips film (Old School, Road Trip) and written byTodd Phillips, Scot Armstrong (who also helped write Old School and Road Trip), and John OBrien. I found myself and the people I was with laughing out loud quite a bit as we watched this. The casting while it sounded hinky at first was great. Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson carry the film nicely while Vince Vaughn puts in a great performance. The best bit of casting however has to be Huggy Bear played well by Snoop Dogg. Citizen Kane this is not but then again very few films will ever be that great. This is a light comedy and it made me laugh which as far as Im concerned means it was a success. If you want to watch something to take your mind off of your day and dont want your brain taxed (at all) then get this I think youll enjoy it.
08/09/04
David
Various Artists
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Por Vida - A Tribute to the Songs of Alejandro Escovedo
I love when musicians come together for a great cause, because they put forth that little bit extra to make sure its a success. Such is the case with this excellent collection of artists paying tribute to the songs of Alejandro Escovedo and seeing a portion of the proceeds going to the Alejandro Escovedo Medical and Living Expense Fund. Since falling seriously ill with Hepatitis C, he hasnt been able to tour (which is his bread and butter) or get to the studio to record. With the help of his friends and peers this should go a long way towards helping this wonderful song writer. This became a two disc collection due to the number of artists that wanted to participate, not to mention the huge catalog to pick from. Starting with Lucinda Williams version of Pyramid of Tears and ending with a great previously unreleased rocker from Alejandro titled Break This Time, you will be entertained by some of the best roots rock you are sure to hear anywhere this year.With selections by the likes of Steve Earle with Reckless Kelly, Los Lonely Boys, Charlie Sexton, Cowboy Junkies, Jayhawks, Pete Escovedo with Sheila E, Son Volt, Rosie Flores, Charlie Musselwhite and a beautiful version of She Doesnt Live Here Anymore by John Cale you can see what kind of talent this attracted and there is plenty more. Do yourself and Alejandro a favor and pick up Por Vida, its for a great cause.
08/02/04
David
Widespread Panic
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Uber Cobra
Consider this a double review folks.
When I saw the track listing for the new Widespread Panic album Uber Cobra I was jazzed. I was jazzed because I was a fan and I saw what the track listing could have been. Once I listened to the disc however I realized this was a CD that was released for a reason, that being to give the fans an acoustic greatest hits which it does. These are songs that any panic head would drive two days in a van without a shower to hear done in the middle of a muddy field.
Having said all that….
I would like to engage the casual Widespread Panic fan for a moment. Dont let the downbeat of Uber Cobra sway you. Widespread Panic are at their finest on Til The Medicine Takes the album that finally crossed the jam band and pop sensibilities that were already at play in the make-up of this band. I could use names like the Allman Brothers ( Dyin Man) The Dead (Bear Gone Fishin) what would be the point though? In the end when you have heard Widespread Panic, you know it. And you walk away saying, Still want more….
08/02/04
David
Widespread Panic
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Til The Medicine Takes
Consider this a double review folks.
When I saw the track listing for the new Widespread Panic album Uber Cobra I was jazzed. I was jazzed because I was a fan and I saw what the track listing could have been. Once I listened to the disc however I realized this was a CD that was released for a reason, that being to give the fans an acoustic greatest hits which it does. These are songs that any panic head would drive two days in a van without a shower to hear done in the middle of a muddy field.
Having said all that….
I would like to engage the casual Widespread Panic fan for a moment. Dont let the downbeat of Uber Cobra sway you. Widespread Panic are at their finest on Til The Medicine Takes the album that finally crossed the jam band and pop sensibilities that were already at play in the make-up of this band. I could use names like the Allman Brothers ( Dyin Man) The Dead (Bear Gone Fishin) what would be the point though? In the end when you have heard Widespread Panic, you know it. And you walk away saying, Still want more….
08/02/04
David
Thievery Corporation
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The Outernational Sound
Rob Garza and Eric Hilton are the duo that are behind everything that has to do with The Thievery Corporation, whether its Thieverys own music, their club (Eighteenth Street Lounge), or their label (ESL Music). These two guys have slowly built one of the most formidable forces in the world of electronic music and with tier newest release The Outernational Sound, which features their DJ set, they show why their mix of international sound is so entertaining. Kicking off with David Snells loungy International Flight, Rob and Eric take you on a trip around the world of glorious grooves and chilled out dance music. A sampling of song titles even lets you know where they are coming from; Indian Vibes Mathar, Alan Moorhouse Expo in Tokyo, Bobby Hughes My French Brother and a great new Thievery Corporation track Lagos Communique. They also throw in some great funk, a bit of Brazilian and of course some Dub and Reggae. This is the type of DJ set I could only hope to experience as Thievery Corporation is the best DJ duo in the land. You never know, maybe we could entice them to visit the Granada Theater so we can all experience the outernational sounds of The Thievery Corporation.
07/19/04
David
Sweetback
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Stage 2
Most people know of Stuart Matthewman as the saxophone player/band leader for Sade; while not recording with Sade he has a couple of guises hes been working under to keep busy. Sweetback is Stuart along with fellow Sade band members Paul Denman and Andrew Hale. They continue to mine territory similar to the chilled Sade vibe utilizing some up and coming vocalists such as Aya and the ever soulful Chocolate Genius. If you are a Sade fan you need this album.
On a little more experimental note and a release Ive been wishing for, is Stuarts work under the Cottonbelly name. Cottonbelly is Stuarts chance to really immerse himself into dub productions of his original material and as a remixer. Kicking off with the still fresh dub-funk of Edge Test 1 from 1993 and going to Take Me Away by Sky-Fi from 2004 this is a very nice collection. Highlights include a great remix of Noiseshapers The Only Redeemer and an excellent take on the Gregory Isaac classic Night Nurse. Finishing this collection are 3 originals which really show Stuarts love of ambient space and his ability to create the perfect chilled-out atmosphere. Stuart Matthewman is a very talented musician and producer and you should check out both of these releases which are perfect for a lazy summer afternoon.
07/19/04
David
Cottonbelly
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X Amounts of Niceness NYC Sessions 1993-2004
Most people know of Stuart Matthewman as the saxophone player/band leader for Sade; while not recording with Sade he has a couple of guises hes been working under to keep busy. Sweetback is Stuart along with fellow Sade band members Paul Denman and Andrew Hale. They continue to mine territory similar to the chilled Sade vibe utilizing some up and coming vocalists such as Aya and the ever soulful Chocolate Genius. If you are a Sade fan you need this album.
On a little more experimental note and a release Ive been wishing for, is Stuarts work under the Cottonbelly name. Cottonbelly is Stuarts chance to really immerse himself into dub productions of his original material and as a remixer. Kicking off with the still fresh dub-funk of Edge Test 1 from 1993 and going to Take Me Away by Sky-Fi from 2004 this is a very nice collection. Highlights include a great remix of Noiseshapers The Only Redeemer and an excellent take on the Gregory Isaac classic Night Nurse. Finishing this collection are 3 originals which really show Stuarts love of ambient space and his ability to create the perfect chilled-out atmosphere. Stuart Matthewman is a very talented musician and producer and you should check out both of these releases which are perfect for a lazy summer afternoon.
07/12/04
David
Sofa Surfers
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(See the Light)
The Thievery Corporations label Eighteenth Street Lounge continues its impressive run with the release of Viennas Sofa Surfers Album, See the Light. This album reminds me of classic Massive Attack in many ways, and for fans of the trip-hop sounds of Portishead, Kruder and Dorfmeister and Smith and Mighty; Sofa Surfers See the Light is a must have. There are lots of progressive hip-hop beats and thick as molasses dub treatments, along with some very heavy vocals by the likes of DJ Collage, Junior Delgado, Desmond Levy, and Dawna Lee makes for one of the most intense albums since Massive Attacks Mezzanine. The album kicks off with their classic instrumental Sofa Rockers remixed by Richard Dorfmeister and ends with a Thievery Corporation remix of Can I Get a Witness. In between you get the full effect of full Sofa Surfers, this is the sound of the future where the sounds of soul, hip-hop, and reggae collide with some serious dub production, creating music for the new millennium. So the next time youre in one of the stores make sure you go to the electronic music player and dial up Sofa Surfers See the Light, and you will indeed see the light!
07/05/04
David
Quantic
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(Mishaps Happening)
William Holland is Quantic, and with his third release which is the first for Ubiquity records, he has put out one of the best albums of the year. Mr. Holland is one of those guys who can effortlessly blend many different styles and make a commanding statement with each one. The opening track Mishaps Happening kicks things off with a sixties kitsch feel combined with a killer breakbeat that will easily get your groove on. From there we head right to the serious afrobeat of Use What You Got featuring an excellent vocal from Sonny Akpan, who will tell you to use what you got to get what you want! Alice Russell who is the main vocalist for the Quantic Soul Orchestra absolutely rips up the life affirming, finger snapping jazz of Sound of Everything as well as the reggae soul of So Long. The legendary vocalist Spanky Wilson is also on board for a couple of funk-fueled numbers that harken back to some of the classic seventies soul sessions. Mix in some very nice instrumental tracks and you have an essential release of 2004, thanks to Ubiquity records. If you like the human side of electronic music then also check out the other Quantic albums.
06/21/04
David
Toots and the Maytals
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(Live)
Reissue of the month. Island records continues their reggae classics reissue program with this legendary live album recorded September of 1980 at Londons Hammersmith Palais. It shows Toots and his eight piece band at the height of their powers, like a reggae version of James Brown! Very few live excursions have been able to capture the feel and spontaneity of a performance like this one which makes you feel like you really were there. Toots is integral to the history of reggae music as he has been since its beginnings in the 1960s and he is still going strong today. This live chronicle showcases his musical abilities with not only reggae and ska, but soul, funk and gospel. True to form, Toots spares no passion on performances of hits that range from Funky Kingston, Pressure Drop, Monkey Man, 54-46, Thats My Number and Time Tough. This great reissue also includes 2 bonus tracks, I Love You So and an epic 10 minute version of Reggae Got Soul, which is pure magic. This is essential for any reggae fan, and a testament to the power of Toots and the Maytals.
06/14/04
David
The Wailing Souls
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At Channel One
I just want to take a moment to thank all of our reggae lovers who have taken advantage of our ever expanding section of the best music to come out of Jamaica, and to let you know weve just begun!
The recordings made by the Jamaican vocal harmony groups of the 1970s constitute a pinnacle of reggae music and The Wailing Souls were up there with the best. They started out by cutting some wonderful sides at Studio One in the early 70s and hit another high spot at Channel One a few years later. It is recordings from this latter era that are featured in this typically well chosen compilation from Pressure Sounds. Classic tunes such as War, Things and Time and Jah Jah Give Us Life ring out with pure conciousness and each song is featured either in its extended 12 inch version or followed by the dub cut from the original 7 inch. As these dubs feature the mighty Revolutionaries in their prime, this is a real bonus. Yet another essential selection from the vaults of Pressure Sounds, for our avid collector or those of you just getting started.
05/31/04
David
The Beta Band
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From Heroes to Zeroes
This is The Beta Bands first self-produced album and the result is an effort that is uncomprimisingly innovative and imaginative. Having taken 18 months to craft their third album, the Edinburgh- based quartet have grown up and proved themselves as serious contenders.
Kicking off with the spunky horn- assisted single Assesment, Heroes is a move towards a more straightforward pop record. Its more guitar- heavy than previous albums and its exciting to hear frontman Steve Mason cutting loose on the axe. Another stand out is Wonderful, which is the kind of stoned, psychedelic ballad that they excel at. From Heroes to Zeroes is incredibly diverse proving that not only is the Beta Band capable of writing ambient chillout music , but that they can rock out also. You need this album.
05/3/04
David
Beanfield
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Seek
The Munich-based Beanfield unveil a new sound and a new line-up with their third album, Seek. Following the departure of Tobias Meggie and Compost founder Michael Reinboth, surviving member Jan Krause reassembled the group with former Fauna Flash and Truby Trio session keyboardist Michael Mettke and main vocalists Ernesto and Bajka. Their resulting 11 song set is a stylistic departure from their previous full-lengths. Abandoning all samplers, its a refined musical vision highlighted with lush orchestration, versatile arrangements and poignant soulful compositions that incorporate elements of Latin and Brazilian jazz, earthy soul, broken beat, contemplative folk and funk somewhere between Zero 7 , Vikter Duplaix, Herbert and PTaah. The meditative Tides, the heartfelt and obtusely funky Someone Like You and Home are the finest examples of the groups renewed sense of purpose, but heads will undoubtedly embrace lead single Close To You and the club friendly Welcome (featuring the dulcet-toned Marzenka). For me its Beanfields strongest work-to-date and offers a refreshing and vibrant blueprint for things to come.
05/17/04
David
Stereolab
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Instant 0 in the Universe EP and The Margerine Eclipse
Without taking any drastic stylistic turns, Stereolab introduce a new phase in the bands history, with two new releases, the EP Instant 0 in the Universe and the full-length Margerine Eclipse. Both recorded without late key member Mary Hansen, the cuts mark a continuation of the bands familiar sound, minus the delicate background vocals by Mary that always made a Stereolab song so exquisite. Laetitia does a fine job making up for this, mezmerizing the listener with her lilting cooing while the band construct impossible layers of ambient noise behind her. Like the track Sudden Stars which is featured on both releases, the songs are mostly clean, gentle compositions that take their time unfolding in classic Stereolab fashion. Not the sort of stuff that grabs you from the start, these songs slowly settle into your psyche, revealing more and more of their profound dimemsions with each listen. The songs only reinforce the notion that Stereolab have truly mastered the art of creating instrumental, atmospheric worlds, where everything shimmers with an inherent coolness. Remarkably, rather than be content with this accomplishment, Stereolab go on to use their lyrics to actualy say something compelling, often in the simplest of terms. Beyond the numerous politaically and socially conscious moments, just listen to Laetitias playful mocking on Instant 0. All in all, the new releases provide solid proof for
Stereolab fans that, despite their foundation-shaking tragedy, the band have emerged as vibrant as ever.
04/5/04
David
Zero Seven
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When It Falls
When Zero Seven released Simple Things in 2001 they filled the void left by Massive Attacks breakup. Fans of atmospheric bands (think Air and Alpha), devotees of downtempo labels Mo Wax and Ninja Tune, and even easy listeners could all get with the records silky instrumentals, thoughtful vocals and languid electronic pulses. Their follow-up When It Falls is just as smooth and conceptually quite similar to Simple Things. Vocalist Sla Furler, Sophie Barber and Mozez all make repeat appearances and their first single, Home, with its careful guitar plucks, melodic swells and breathy vocals by Tina Dico is destined to be as much of a makeout song as In the Waiting Line was. This album is definately for those who love elaborately conceived arrangements, trilling chimes and rippling Rhodes Keyboards.
04/12/04
David
VARIOUS ARTISTS
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REWIND! 3
Though many artists pay lip service to house musics roots in jazz, funk, and Soul, it seldom is anything more than a feeble name-check. With the release Of REWIND! 3 (Ubiquity Records ongoing series of eclectic cover versions). This collection plumbs the musical depths of house musics influences. The wide-ranging tempos and styles of REWIND! 3 will appeal to a broad cross section of listeners. A few tracks here border on sheer novelty, like that THAT KID NAMED MILES ska workout of JOHNNY CASHS, RING OF FIRE, and BING JI LINGS loungey take on AC/DCS YOU SHOOK ME ALL NIGHT LONG. The cuts that truly shine are those that take the originals and slingshot them into the nu-jazz territory that UBIQUITY RECORDS does so well. JOHN ARNOLD and JEREMY ELLIS respectively (and respectively) update HERBIE HANCOCKS ROUGH and CHAMELEON; Arnold kicks the future funk with thick, tech-y sounds, while ELLIS turns in an astounding note-for-note re-rub. There are other great moments with covers of tunes by WILLIE COLON, BETTY CARTER, and my personal favorite, GREYBOY covering the great 70s English funk band CYMANDES GENEVIEVE. A great taste of what the future thinks about yesterday.
03/9/04
David
Federico Aubele
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Gran Hotel Buenos Aires ESL Music 72
Thievery Corporation has done it again! Not only are they putting out their own great music, but through their Eighteenth Street Lounge label they are releasing some of the best downbeat music this side of Kruder & Dorfmeister. The last ESL compilation, Den of thieves, gave us a preview of Federico Aubeles tasteful music, and with the release of Gran Hotel Buenos Aires, we have what will be one of the best albums of 2004. The album, which was produced by Thievery Corporation, and played mainly by Federico with the help of a few friends, is based on the great music of Argentina, the Tango, but updated for the 21 Century. Cool Spanish guitar, beautiful vocals mainly by female vocalists, bandoneans, various horns and great percussion all filtered through Thievery Corporations dub mix, make for one of the coolest releases from the ESL label. The best thing to come out of Argentina since Maradona!
03/29/04
David
The Strike Boys
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Playtime (on Stereo Deluxe)
Stereo Deluxe continue putting out some of the best downbaet music on the planet as evidenced by recent releases by: Boozoo Bajou, Trio Eletrico and The Great Sampler. This album is what 21st century lounge music should sound like. Putting aside the pulsing rave-related breaks of their past, this Bavarian duo crafts an album full of gently rolling, vibey downtempo music. Most of Playtime amplifies their reggae influences, achieving ever more subtle layers of bass. The roots-meets-proto house swing of I am the witness and the squelching ragga-tinged synthesis of Free and Everybody (both featuring MC Blaze) are particularly good, although dub tecniques can be heard underneath nearly every track. The album is nicely arranged to roll out into minimal ambient house, but true to their roots, The Strike Boys cant resist one last rave jab. Playtime ends on a playful note with No music a pulsating pop-lock jam full of
computerized voices and scissor kicking breakbeats
03/22/04
David
Firewater
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Songs We Should Have Written
I know there have been a lot of covers albums, and you might say, not another one! But in the hands of Firewater it is a must proposition. You get the idea right off the bat with their twisted cover of the old Sonny and Cher tune, The Beat Goes On, with a few changed words because they felt like it and featuring female vocals from Britta Phillips of Luna. They cover songs made famous by Frank Sinatra This Town, Johnny Cash Fulsom Prison Blues and The Rolling Stones Paint It Black complete with Tabla and sitar. Other highlights include a cover of Tom Waits Diamonds and Gold which probably makes the most sense because their own sound would remind you of Tom Waits. Another great cover of an old Jamaican ska tune by Lyn Taitt and The Comets is awesome as well as the closing tune by one of their favorites (and should be one of yours!) Robin Hitchcocks I often dream of trains. So if you like hearing some familiar songs in a completely different way then come in and pick up this album today.
03/22/04
David
The Dub Syndicate
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No Bed of Roses
On its eighteenth release, The Dub Syndicate does not disappoint. From its title track you are drawn deeper into the hypnotic mixture of samples and sounds that define dub. Founding member and spiritual guide Style Scott, also of the premier Jamaican session band Roots Radics, collaborates with some of the best roots vocalists of the day. Each track is unique with messed up effectscourtesy of Adrian Sherwoods inventive mixes, taking listeners into unchartered sonic territory. My favorite track is Kingston 14, a song about a corrupt ghetto area and the violence that engulfs it with vocals by the legendary Gregory Isaacs. After two decades in the reggae business the Dub Syndicate proves why they are still the most essential dub band on the planet.
03/2/04
David
Augustus Pablo
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King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown
This is one of the best dub albums ever created and Shanachie has remastered and expanded this edition to make it the definitive choice for this release. Augustus Pablo has created some of the most mystical powerful music ever to come out of Jamaica. King Tubby who is not only one of the best producers from Jamaica, but one of the best from anywhere, was Pablos choice when it came to his dub productions. Together they created some magic moments, but especially on this album where the tough rhythms spurred Tubby to some of his most imaginative work, with Pablos plantive melodica phrases echoed to infinity in the spacy mixes. While it is impossible to pick the best dub album of all time, you certainly wont find a better release than this to satisfy your taste in dub. Jah Rastafari.
02/23/04
David
Sun Kil Moon
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Ghosts of the Greay Highway
Mark Kozelek of The Red House Painters has put out some very high quality music over the last 13 years but not enough people were listening! All of this seems to be changing with his new outfit Sun Kil Moon (a bestseller in our indie rock player). Mark continues to mine the territory somewhere between Nick Drake and vintage Neil Young with his contemplative musings in a very spare musical setting, that even includes a small string section that he will be touring with this spring. This is thought provoking music that is perfect for driving down that great highway. For any new fans to Mark Kozelek I highly recommend trying any of his Red House Painters albums or the album and EP under his name.
While you are checking out our indie play station, I also recommend a few new
additions: Centro-Matic, The Coral and The Walkmen.
02/16/04
David
Trio Eletrico
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Echo Parcours (Stereo Deluxe 101)
The Nuremberg, Germany based Stereo Deluxe label is continuing to release some of the best electronic music today. The new album from Trio Eletrico is a treat for those who like an eclectic blend of sounds. Latin grooves, jazz flourishes, subtle vocals and samples all with a dub sensibility which are mixed effortlessly as few groups can do. Trio Eletrico are: Peter Heider (also of Boozoo Bajoo), Peter Hoppe and Thomas Eckert who have put together one of the best releases of the new year. Check it out!
The next time you are in the store also check out these releases at our Electronic station:
Boozoo Bajoo Remixes (Stereo Deluxe 118)
MoHorizons And the New Bohemian Freedom (Stereo Deluxe 111)
Karminsky Experience Power of Suggestion (ESL 066)