A huge thanks to my dear brother, Hubert Heathertoes, for introducing me to this gem from Chalupáři, the Czech outfit that delivers something truly special. It’s noisy, yes—but in the most immersive, profoundly atmospheric way. This is an excellent test record for your speakers, yet if you give it time, Continue Reading
Sergey Kuryokhin – Some Combinations Of Fingers And Passion
I will forever praise Leo Feigin, the courageous figure who introduced me to new post-Soviet music. My first purchase from his renowned Leo Records was the album that introduced me to Sergey Kuryokhin, Russia’s most radical pianist and multi-instrumentalist. Kuryokhin impressed musicians traveling there and later collaborated with several Americans, Continue Reading
Hochiwah / Cimetière de l’Est – Split
As much as I love the term ‘experimental music’ as a catch-all, it is wholly inappropriate for something this weird yet this accessible. I cannot say anything about Cimetière de l’Est, but I had the pleasure of hearing several works by Hochiwah, and the first two bands that came to mind were Continue Reading
Can Live Series Continues with ‘Live In Arles 1975’
Because I will be taking a road trip today from Tsemi (where I met some of the most brilliant people I’ve had in a while) back home to Tbilisi, I won’t be able to do a proper review, so I will leave you with very pleasant news for Krautrock fans, Continue Reading
Tindersticks – PAST IMPERFECT: The Best of Tindersticks ’92 – ’21
The blog Hit The North has a perfect quote to sum up this Tindersticks compilation: “Most recent single Both Sides Of The Blade could even outdo Nick Cave in the hedonistic misery ballad stakes. Which is not a bad thing, surely, if you like your music as dark and rich as a glass Continue Reading
Various Artists – Music in Exile presents “Jutna”
From the label’s website: “Jutna” is the result of their time spent together, and an answer to that question. In the Wolof language of Senegal, the phrase ‘Jutna’ means “it is time”. Asked to expand on this, guitarist/vocalist Magou Samb stated — “Jutna means, it is time. Time to believe Continue Reading
Sun Ra – The Sun Ra Arkestra Meets Salah Ragab In Egypt
Leo Records never misses a beat. This album brings together two legends – Sun Ra, who needs no introduction to those who love freaky jazz, and drummer Salah Ragab, Egypt’s king of rhythm.
Len Faki – Zera
For me, techno has to have a point. Dance music is generally dance music, but if it allows me to recall memories of big beats, timely samples and a great groove, I will show interest. Len Faki’s sound is good, deep techno, and the samples mentioned would have fit well Continue Reading
Jeff Gburek + Eryk Nowacki – Small Fires
Yet another sublime release by fellow expatriate Jeff Gburek: “Our title Small Fires derives from the practice among certain Indigenous American people of making small fires periodically, often enough to prevent the build-up of fallen wood that could fuel large forest fires. It is also said that one makes a Continue Reading
Lavalove – Tan Lines
I owe this one to my niece Abi. She watched the band perform several times and they were good enough for her to insist that I give them a listen. Of course, she has golden ears! Lavalove has a garage rock sound that my brother and I grew up with, Continue Reading