No posts today, folks. I will be leaving China in about two weeks, so I have a large amount of paperwork to review. We’ll see you tomorrow!
Holger Czukay – Der Osten ist Rot
Holger Czukay’s album Der Osten ist Rot was originally released on Virgin Records in 1984, but Grönland Records has brought this hidden gem back into the spotlight. The title track serves as an amusing Krautrock-style reinterpretation of the old Chinese national anthem. While it may not be as iconic as Jimi Hendrix’s rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” it has Continue Reading
Manop Nakornchai – นวล อัลบั้ม (Naul)
I was listening to the Swiss industrial music band The Young Gods perform their interpretation of Terry Riley’s “In C” when I decided to put on this album. Since it comes from Australia’s most interesting guitar improvisation label, Ramble Records, I expected it to be good, but I didn’t anticipate Continue Reading
Various Artists – Daily Reckless: Diary Of A Nobody feat. Ivor Cutler
In a country known for its eccentric musicians, Scotland’s Ivor Cutler truly stands out for his unique creativity, and I say this with the utmost affection. This album is reportedly the soundtrack to a long-forgotten film by director Ken Russell, featuring music composed by Ivor and narrated by Bryan Pringle. Continue Reading
Love Unfold The Sun – Explode Yourself
Sometimes, a powerful dose of sound can be invigorating for the ears. Love Unfold The Sun is a band from New Mexico, led by my old friend Mustafa Stefan Dill. His guitar playing reminds me of John McLaughlin playing the oud, infused with the raw energy of Peter Brötzmann at Continue Reading
Amirhossein Nazemzade , Ehsan Shayanfard – Mourners Project
Here are two new names from the improvisational music scene in Tehran, Iran, worth keeping an eye on – Amirhossein Nazemzade and Ehsan Shayanfard. From their Bandcamp site: “Winter 2025 On a melancholic evening in a house in central Tehran, we performed an hour and fifteen minutes of improvisation with Continue Reading
Black Sabbath – Iron Man (1970)
John “Ozzy” Osbourne has passed away. This marks the end of an era for me, as well as for many friends and fans of his music. Metal music was at its finest when Black Sabbath was at its peak, and it will take someone truly exceptional to fill the void Continue Reading
Dina Jashari – Rastenija Bez Koren
As I wait at the Alexander the Great International Airport in Skopje, I am reminiscing about what a wonderful trip this has been. I end my stay here by introducing you to a new Macedonian singer called Dina Jashari, who melds together dream pop with soul. A pleasant combination.
No Post Today (Traveling Home)
Macedonia was a success! Now, back to Beijing and the future.
Thee Baby Cuffs – There Ain’t Enough Roses
We offer a Chicano soup gem from the now legendary Finnish label, Timmons Records. From the release’s Bandcamp site: “If there’s a group in this age that faithfully carries the torch of real group soul harmony, it must be these three cats from the US west coast by the name Continue Reading