A few albums recently listened.

[Guest TVHEAD]

Soundgarden - King Animal - 7/10

 

After 16 years they got together and released an album. My expectation of it was that it is going to be another grunge insanity. And you won't believe it, but it's more pop, than grunge. This is a good album, it has some quite good tracks on it, for instance,

Bones of Birds, Blood On The Valley Floor. It has highlights, and there are pretty good riffs on this thing, good singing by Chris Cornell, but the songs aren't, well let's say, powerful enough. It isn't a bad album, far away from that, but it just leaves me unimpressed. The only thing that is better than their previous efforts is the production done by Adam Kasper, but nothing more.

 

Deftones - Koi No Yokan - 9.4/10

 

I've never been a huge fan of Deftones. I liked 'em because they weren't the typical nu-metal band. They always had great instrumentation, a variate vocal range and great lyrics. I've heard they dropped this LP, and before they did, only thing I heard about it was the song Rosemary. For some reason it blew me away. So I had a pretty good reason to check out this album.

My god, this is one of the best releases this year. Important thing is that, there are no filler tracks! Every one is special and it is beautiful in it's own way. Great production, great playing, great atmosphere, great songs, great lyrics, great singing. There are so many fantastic moments on here. The tape-like overdriven guitar intro in Rosemary with really soft pads, every single moment in Poltergeist that has an unusual chord-progressioned chorus and which, for some, reason remains my favorite track from this LP. Then bassline in Swerve City, the guitar part in Romantic Dreams, the chorus in Leathers, soft song Entombed, then Tempest..

The whole album is amazing, and I recommend it strongly.

 

Isis - Live 5 - 9/10

 

They've played this performance on a festival on which each band had to perform one of their albums. Isis was asked to play their 2002 LP "Oceanic". They've outdone themselves with this performance, and it is special to me because Oceanic brought me into Isis and I am still thinking is Panopticon or Oceanic better. Honorable mention to Justin Broadrick who did a great job on the production (with Aaron Harris), considering he usually does unusual production, especially for Jesu.

 

Isis - Live 6 - 9/10

 

This one is probably their best Live album, and at the same time - most various when it's up to albums. They've played songs from Oceanic, Panopticon, Celestial, The Read Sea EP, In The Absence For Truth, The Mosquito Control EP...

A breath-taking performance that appears to be released as Isis' last live album (so far). Aaron Harris makes great mixes, that's for sure and it is the same case with this LP, but it's really important to mention James Plotkin, who has done a wonderful mastering for this live album and gave it another dimension.

 

If These Trees Could Talk - The Red Forrest - 9/10

 

Sadly, this isn't quite a well known band. They play this post-rock thing, which performance includes: drums, bass and three guitars with loads of pedals. I found out of this band when my great friend and my band's manager sent me this album with the comment "Neat post-rock album". If it weren't this little masterpiece, I wouldn't even get into a lot of great bands I'm into right now. All I can say about this album is that it's amazing, and it takes the listener to a whole new dimension. Great jams, great music, and great production. Warm recommendation.

 

Jesu - Jesu - 9/10

 

This album is as original as it gets. Probably, the main reason for it is that it is made by Justin Broadrick who invented a new genre, so originality and innovation aren't a weird thing when you have Justin in question. As I mentioned up there that he does unusual production, this album proves it. Sludgy guitars, orchestration, ambient effects, slow tempo, beautiful vocal melodies.. Basically everything you need to know about this album is to, just listen to the first track of it.

 

Nice reviews, straight and to the point. Good work Squire.

 

I have listened to more albums, just couldn't keep on writing. Thanks!

Edited November 29, 2012 by TVHEAD

[Guest TVHEAD]

Consecration - .avi - 9,5/10

 

Oh boy, I love this one. I remember I've heard of this band when Nikola Vranjkovic mentioned them in some interview. Considering he is the greatest lyricist and one of the greatest, more innovative musicians in Serbia. So I searched them up on YouTube. First video I opened up was their song Cimet (means Cinnamon in English). And it freaking blew me away. Such a memorable great melody that got me at the first listen, those guitar sounds, those complicated and fantastic drum beats, bass with this (I guess..) tremolo thing going on. It was just fantastic sounding. Such a mix of many different influences, genres.. And to mention that it was played live, and it was a trio. Just three people! The most impressing was their leader, Danilo, who sang (greatly), played guitar (also greatly), and played keyboards.

So I've heard a lot of good things about their album .avi and decided to check it out. I downloaded it, and put it on my mp4. player. I've had this contest from English language, and since it was on a higher level than the school, I had to travel to Belgrade from Obrenovac (long story about the whole thing). Anyway, while I was traveling I've listened to the album. It was early in the morning, the sun hasn't got it's full shine so it was a little bit dark, and along with that great ambient, post-metal music playing with beautiful drone moments. It blew me away and I fell in love with the album, and the band. I did something for the band in the Pledge music campaigne so I'm getting a free album.

 

Johnny Cash - Live at Folsom Prison - 8/10

 

I am a person that listens to Scott Walker's later work like Drift, etc., but there is no reason for me not to like this. A great live album from the country legend. There is this thing about live albums I like, they simply have a different, more natural, realistic sound. There is this dimension that they have, that couldn't be replaced. Thing about this one is that, it really sounds like it is from the 60's, which it is. The performance is quite good, simple and Johnny's interaction with the crowd is great.

[Redruth]

autechre - untilted 10/10 http://www.discogs.com/Autechre-Untilted/release/414646

the cure - mixed up 10/10 http://www.discogs.com/Cure-Mixed-Up/master/31938

lfo - sheath 10/10 http://www.discogs.com/LFO-Sheath/master/62898

demdike stare - elemental 10/10 http://www.discogs.com/Demdike-Stare-Elemental/master/418015

kettel & secede- when can 7/10 http://www.discogs.com/Kettel-Secede-When-Can/release/4063655

paavoharju - laulu laakson kukista 10/10 http://www.discogs.com/Paavoharju-Laulu-Laakson-Kukista/master/143702

the third eye foundation - the dark 9/10 http://www.discogs.com/Third-Eye-Foundation-The-The-Dark/release/2536404

vangelis - blade runner ost (esper edition) 10/10 http://www.discogs.com/Vangelis-Blade-Runner-Esper-Edition/release/626287

[Npoess]

vangelis - blade runner ost (esper edition) 10/10 http://www.discogs.com/Vangelis-Blade-Runner-Esper-Edition/release/626287

 

Also listened to this for the first time recently (the Esper edition).

 

1000/10

Edited December 1, 2012 by Npoess

[Guest TVHEAD]

Block Out - Godina Sirotinjske Zabave - 10/10

 

Block Out is my all time favorite band (along with Radiohead and few more). I grew up listening to them, I think they're great musicians, they've written about things that weren't mentioned in rock music. I think that Nikola Vranjkovic is one of the greatest lyricists of all time. No doubt. He is the only idol I have and I am so happy I've had the chance to play with them.

Godina had a political topic going throughout the album that contains these insane songs that, I can say, are perfect. So much originality, inspiration, great instrumentation, authentic sound. To this day remains one of my favorite albums. Quite good production, considering what it was like in Serbia in the 90's. I could spend hours, days talking about how this album is good, but I can say that it is a really dark, serious, artistic, impressive album and it's funny how, it even isn't their best.

 

Listen to the song: Kad Hodam

 

Battles - Gross Dlop - 8.5/10

 

I've heard of this album somewhere on the internet and the reason why I checked it out was the comment on it Killer drumming. SO I decided to listen to it. Wow, it was quite good. It was math and technical as shit, but it sounded quite good. The production was bliss, and the most impressing part was what a small number of people could do with their instruments. Sick drummer, and two multi-instrumentalists blowing everything away. And the cover looks tasty, haha.

 

Listen to the song: Wall Street

 

Bjesovi - Sve Sto Vidim I Sve Sto Znam - 9.5/10

 

Bjesovi, one of the most insane bands on the territory of the ex-Yugoslavia. The band was named after the Croatian translation of the title of the Dostoyevsky's book Demons. All I can say about this band is that, they are way too original and way too authentic. They've created this image of themselves that, when once gets into your brain, never lets go. This album contains everything that's good: creepy atmosphere (tho the lyrics are about god and praising him), hypnotic riffs, beautiful melodies, slow sludge, drone, singing (yes, no yelling at all even tho it's common for these types of bands!). If you want a great weird album that sounds REALLY fresh (by the way, it's released in 1997) this is the one for you.

 

Listen to the song: Moj Izbor

Edited December 1, 2012 by TVHEAD

[Redruth]

 

vangelis - blade runner ost (esper edition) 10/10 http://www.discogs.com/Vangelis-Blade-Runner-Esper-Edition/release/626287

 

Also listened to this for the first time recently (the Esper edition).

 

1000/10

 

 

esper edition is my favourite

[Guest TVHEAD]

Bolesna Stenad - Lose Lose - 8.5/10

 

This is a freaking hilarious album. This band has been labeled as trash punk from a newspaper writer. This album lasts for 23 minutes and it is priceless. Short, strong, effective, and simple. Everything is good. The lyrics, instrumentation and especially the production which is done by the master - Nikola Vranjkovic. For a debut, it's great and I can't wait for their new album.

 

Listen to the song: Infostan

 

Jewy Sabatay - Jewy Sabatay - 9.5/10

 

This is one of the most insane albums released in Serbia. It was released almost a year before the band's breakup and the bassist's death. To this day, it remains impressive and kinda creeps me out for the fact of knowing what happened later.

It was dark. They've brought some things in question that weren't quite mentioned in rock music. Original lyrics, great, interesting and weird music at the same time. It is really long, really heavy and sludgy. Multiple listens are needed to get into it and get what a great album it is. I'm just scared of it's honesty, and direct sound. Great album, and used to be a great band that many people are finding out about. Nothing has appeard and will appear on Serbia's rock scene.. ever.

 

Listen to the song: Hitler Satanist or Lisac Od Zelatina

 

Radiohead - The King Of Limbs - 9/10

 

I still don't get why this album received a lot of negative or "good enough" critiques. To me this album is really great. It is original, it is fresh, it doesn't quite remind of anything Radiohead has done in the past. That's their gem. They always tend to come up with something. There are amaizing parts on here. Bloom, Separator are true unique song and I think that it is too much to say anything about them. Feral had a great songbeat, Morning Mr. Magpie had a hypnotic beat, Give Up The Ghost was beautiful, Lotus Flower sounded crazy, Codex sad etc.

[logakght]

Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi · The Four Seasons: I hate classical music like Mozart, Bethoven and, of course, Vivaldi, but Richter made it actually emotional and bearable. 9/10 would be amazed.

Edited December 3, 2012 by logakght

[MisterE]

lots of miles davis. Ascenseur pour l'échafaud, Cookin', Steamin', and of course Kind of Blue. nothing really needs to be said here.

 

catching up on squarepusher stuff i didn't have before, like the square window ep. venus 17 is pretty tops, maybe in my top 5 favorite SP.

 

i never used to care for the rolling stones, but i'm really getting into their Tattoo You album. i feel like every track on it is at least good, but most are great. i love jagger's sort of sarcastic attitude in 'Tops', and I also dig the generally pretty psychedelic 'Heaven'.

 

one weird thing i've listened to a bit lately is an 'album' that came from an old (1970) reel to reel tape that came with a deck i bought a while back. it's something a young woman named sally went into a studio in washington state and recorded, apparently her and an acoustic guitar. the production is actually pretty good and she's fairly talented. it's really strange because it's like this forgotten memento that i just lucked across. at least a few of the songs are at least partial rewrites of classics like 'runaway' and 'these boots are made for walkin'. maybe they are all sort of nicked from various sources but those are the only two i can place for sure (the last two tracks). i ripped it and put it up at my site in mp3 form here:

http://www.cupwise.com/cup/7-tunes/

it might be one of the coolest things i've ever stumbled across in some ways.

[murve33]

venus 17 is pretty tops, maybe in my top 5 favorite SP.

Agreed. Venus No. 17 was the only Squarepusher I listened to for a very long time.

 

Been trying to burn through my unheard albums folder (3 days worth of music remaining; I blame the Merzbow).

 

RMHN - Infected Invaders Single

South Korean Hardcore. I had low expectations, but I was surprised. The B-Side had fantastic sound. Was listening to it on shitty earbuds, and I still felt like I was in a huge auditorium. Cool stuff.

 

Blaise B. - The Beat Bastard

Found him through Tairy Hesticle's youtube channel. I've loved Dreamworld for a long time and finally got the album. Good hip-hop, and a lot of good production.

 

Oh No - Ohnomite

Some of the most Intense and overwhelming Hip-Hop beats I've ever heard. Sweet use of clash notes blah blah. Sadly the lyrics are all bitches, hoes, and shooting niggers. Though I did like the lyric "My gun is so big I use my car as a holster". I'll have to find myself an instrumental.

 

Picky Picnic - Lovely Water Peaceful Single

Fuck this single. It's garbage.

 

The Sight Below - Glider

Ambient tunes generally accompanied by a kick. Reminiscent of Hexagon by Aphex Twin, but better and deeper. It really complimented my foggy walk to the bus stop. I'll be listening to this a lot.

 

BMSR - Cobra Juicy & Tobacco - Mystic Thickness

Fuck yea.

 

Vaervaf - Vaervaf

Ganus mentioned this in the Top 2012 albums thread (Been listening to nominations that were batched with those for Patience (After Sebald)). I'm not sure how to describe this album. It's very unique, and reminds me of Odd Nosdam, but it's nothing like Odd Nosdam really. Give it a listen and a nomination.

Edited December 4, 2012 by Murveman

[ganus]

The album is actually called Vaervaf - Hipcatch, and for those who are curious, it can be found here:

http://www.breakbitmusic.com/release/hipcatch/

 

I'm glad you like it, I think it's really interesting, and, yes, definitely unique. He has a talent for melodies too, even if they are usually a bit strange. Jux and Mesxico are my favorites off the album.

Everything but stuff that is recognizably sampled, including all of the melodies, was done by manipulating recordings from a rockband microphone, primarily using his voice

Edited December 4, 2012 by ganus

[murve33]

Oh yea, dunno why I thought it was self-titled.

 

I really like Mesxico and This is Why. I had a feeling a lot of it was his voice, and it's awesome he used something as simple as a Rock Band mic.

 

Death From Above 1979 - Heads Up: Was great. Driving Hard rock with occasional synths.

Steve Miller Band - Fly Like an Eagle: I liked the song Fly Like an Eagle when I was a kid, but their lyrics are pretty cheesy as hell.

Raconteurs - Broken Boy Soldiers: Jack White is in the band, but I was pretty bored throughout. I'll stick with White Stripes.

Edit: Josephine Foster - Blood Rushing

Lucy Faringold nominated this in the Top 2012 Albums thread. When I looked her up I thought, "Oh shit, it's some indy chick playing some acoustic instrument". But her voice is very unique, powerful, and tuneful; and all of the music is pretty awesome and fitting as well. A lot of the album didn't tickle my fancy, but I really love this song in particular.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wH3V6EM_SO8

Edited December 4, 2012 by Murveman

[Ifeelspace]

Freescha - Lift E.P. - It's perfect for the winter months (though we don't have any snow here yet). I've listened to this album so much this year. 10/10

 

I don't have the Lift EP but thanks to your post I visited their website and grabbed all the albums. I love their style. BOCish but with their own twist. I'm also now getting into Casino vs Japan.

 

Thanks for the recommendation, it's really top stuff!

 

(I'm always 10 years behind with music it seems)

Edited December 4, 2012 by Ifeelspace

[Mindphaser]

Saul Stokes - Fields 8 /10, Vast - 8/10, Villa Galaxia - 9/10

Gas - Pop 9/10

Anawaty/Russell - Analog Universe 9/10

Horizon 222 [Zoviet France] - Through The Round Window 8 or 9/10

Proton Kinoun - Apeiron 9/10

[Redruth]

 

Freescha - Lift E.P. - It's perfect for the winter months (though we don't have any snow here yet). I've listened to this album so much this year. 10/10

 

 

I'm also now getting into Casino vs Japan.

 

 

 

casino versus japan & freescha split 12" if you've not discovered it yet http://www.discogs.com/Casino-Versus-Japan-Freescha-Split-EP/master/91394

[murve33]

 

 

Freescha - Lift E.P. - It's perfect for the winter months (though we don't have any snow here yet). I've listened to this album so much this year. 10/10

 

 

I'm also now getting into Casino vs Japan.

 

 

 

casino versus japan & freescha split 12" if you've not discovered it yet http://www.discogs.com/Casino-Versus-Japan-Freescha-Split-EP/master/91394

 

WOAH! I hadn't known about that. Thanks, troon.

[Redruth]

your very welcome friend. i've the feeling we are going to hear new casino vs japan soon. the feeling is in my mid-portion parts

 

 

 

 

9 - dj stingray - f.t.n.w.o http://www.discogs.com/DJ-Stingray-FTNWO/release/4087619

8 - arvo pärt - adam's lament http://www.discogs.com/Arvo-Pärt-Adams-Lament/release/3972852

10 - maurice ravel plays ravel http://www.discogs.com/Ravel-Maurice-Ravel-Plays-Ravel/release/1633009

8 - the future sound of london - from the archives vol. 7 http://www.discogs.com/Future-Sound-Of-London-From-The-Archives-Vol-7/master/488192

8 - raime - quarter turns over a living line http://www.discogs.com/Raime-Quarter-Turns-Over-A-Living-Line/release/4030427

8 - matmos - a chance to cut is a chance to cure http://www.discogs.com/Matmos-A-Chance-To-Cut-Is-A-Chance-To-Cure/release/56766

10 - bartók - mikrokosmo http://www.discogs.com/Béla-Bartók-György-Sándor-Mikrokosmos/release/2401268

9 - mouse on mars - niun niggung http://www.discogs.com/Mouse-On-Mars-Niun-Niggung/release/89172

7 - folie - eyepennies http://www.discogs.com/Folie-Eyepennies/master/86603

 

 

 

Edited December 10, 2012 by Redruth

[murve33]

I hope your mid-portion parts are correct.

 

Midlake - The Courage of Others: It was pretty average alternative rock with more of a nature theme I suppose. Some of the tracks were pretty alright, but others were just boring. I might give it another chance still. 5/10

 

Universal Indicator - Red: I personally think this is Richard's worst album. So boring and repetitive. It was early in his career though, so whatever. 4/10

 

The Killers - Battle Born (I think that's what it was): Holy shit was this the worst Killers album I've ever heard. In some of the tracks I half expected Chris DeBurgh to come in with "Lady in Red" to top off all of the 80's cheese revival. I can't remember what other 80's songs it was reminding me of, but they weren't good ones. 2/10

 

Black Moth Super Rainbow - Cobra Juicy: I was stoned when I listened to this, so maybe you should just disregard my opinion, but I felt that Mr. Moth was sounding really sure of himself on this album. The lyrics were kinda repetitive and poppy. I felt like he was some sort of cool DJ that would appear in a universe not unlike the one in Regular Show, where everything and everybody is cool. In short, I don't know what to think of it yet in comparison to past albums. I don't think it's going to beat Eating Us though. ?/10

 

Merzbow - 24 Hours - A Day of Seals: Nice solid 3 hour album, I listened to it while reading Peanuts comics. There were no horribly grating piercing moments where I was like, "God dammit Merzbow, you had such a nice drone going and then you had to go a break my ear drums". I recommend it if you are a casual Merzbow listener, like myself. It'll be getting more listens from me.

 

Fleetwood Mac - Mr. Wonderful: This is 60's era Fleetwood Mac, fronted by Peter Green, when they were doing the Blues Revival (aka, nothing like Go Your Own Way). I enjoyed the album, though 4 of the songs are EXACTLY THE FUCKING SAME. Same rhythm, tempo, tune; only difference is lyrics. It honestly doesn't take away from the album though.

 

 

 

 

[sidewinder]

Midlake - The Courage of Others: It was pretty average alternative rock with more of a nature theme I suppose. Some of the tracks were pretty alright, but others were just boring. I might give it another chance still. 5/10

 

Have you heard the others? I find this one very bland compared to the previous two albums.

[logakght]

Not an album, but HC's ... and darkness came, is absolutely stunning. 10/10

[murve33]

 

Midlake - The Courage of Others: It was pretty average alternative rock with more of a nature theme I suppose. Some of the tracks were pretty alright, but others were just boring. I might give it another chance still. 5/10

 

Have you heard the others? I find this one very bland compared to the previous two albums.

 

I have not. I will delete this one and give them another a chance. Do you have a recommendation?

 

Aphex Twin - 26 Mixes For Cash: It's about time I listened to this. It's fine. Some are boring some are good.

 

Stars of the Lid - The Tired Sounds Of Stars Of The Lid: Beautiful drones. It makes me want to clean house and delete all of the drone albums in my library that are shittier than this album. The Lovesong (For Cubs) trio is such a beautiful end to the album (there's a bit of a reprise and the chord progressions were perfect). I just hit part 3 of it and I'm swooning all over the place. I'm excited to listen to it again at some point.

 

Matthew David & Odd Nosdam - Swedish Fish Split: More drones and droney songs. It was solid, but I just ended up craving Tim Hecker when I was done with it. It'll get more plays from me though since I'm a Nosdam fanboy.

 

Andy Stott - Passed Me By: I don't understand what all the fuss is about. Perhaps I'm just turning into a cynical fuck-all of a music listener (or maybe my tastes have fallen out of line with the majority of watmm's) but I just did not feel anything much from this album.

 

Time for Tim Hecker's Radio Amor, which is an album that I didn't care for for years, but have recently become enamored with. It's been a nice day of no work no school.

Edited December 11, 2012 by Murveman

[sidewinder]

 

 

Midlake - The Courage of Others: It was pretty average alternative rock with more of a nature theme I suppose. Some of the tracks were pretty alright, but others were just boring. I might give it another chance still. 5/10

 

Have you heard the others? I find this one very bland compared to the previous two albums.

I have not. I will delete this one and give them another a chance. Do you have a recommendation?

 

Yes. Most definitely get The Trials of Van Occupanther first, I think it's the most well-done overall. Bamnan and Slivercork is also good but more lo-fi, less refined.

Edited December 11, 2012 by sidewinder

[joseph]

Gas - Pop 9/10

 

For me, Pop is the epitome of artistic/musical perfection, in terms of albums released over the last few decades. The ultimate fruit of a remarkable project. It turns my mind inside out every time I listen, talk about a flashback in a bottle

[Redruth]

 

Time for Tim Hecker's Radio Amor, which is an album that I didn't care for for years, but have recently become enamored with. It's been a nice day of no work no school.

 

 

hecker's finest release, alongside the piano drop

[beerwolf]

Yeah well I am listening to Master of Puppets and that's still a full one hundered out of one hundred. Always will be.

 

Listened to a lot of Eno lately (not the new one). Really I should hate hate Music for Airports but I have always loved it, it would seem futile to give it an 8 or 9 out of 10. Seeing as its perfect and I'm in a good mood I'll give it a wholesome 10.

 

I want to write a scathing review of some shit album I have listened to, just for the fun of it really but I haven't chanced across one. Gone are the days you walked into a record shop and bought an album you hadn't heard for 15 quid (seems like a dream, but I found so many brilliant albums using my wits this way).

 

Ahh yes I also have been listening to Autechres Quaristice (spelling). The great tracks which seem to beam in from a very cold, decaying planet are genius (I think there maybe 5 of them) there are however a lot of tracks which are just peculier and not so good. However I take note that this album slowly gets better and better and better. So I can't rate it really. Lets just say it's 'out there'.