Not a single in the traditional sense, Yann Tiersen’s Ker al Loch (Four Ways) is a contemplative solo piano work that fits in well with his back catalog of contemporary classical music and soundtrack work. The gem of the EP for me was the track 11 5 18. 1 12. Continue Reading
Alternative
Vesna Pisarović – Poravna
What an album this is! The mixing of Sevdah, one of Bosnia’s most melancholic and romantic forms of music, with free improvisation is not something I expected to work, but with the vocals of Croatian singer Vesna Pisarović, Noël Akchoté on guitars, Tony Buck (The Necks) on drums, Greg Cohen Continue Reading
Departure Street – Phantom Sightings
Thanks to Allan Kimmel for sending me this incredibly mellow record. Departure Street offers a sound that blends elements of shoegaze with a lo-fi take on post-rock and even shows hints of the legendary German Krautrock band Popol Vuh. It makes for a perfect morning album.
Yelka – In A Rose Hat
From the band’s Bandcamp site: “A strikingly different take on contemporary America—YELKA’s In A Rose Hat offers an artistic perspective far removed from stadium rock or trap trends. It’s an intimate, almost cinematic interpretation that upends expectations. “Crawl into your hibernation, don’t wait for a new sensation…” the opening, ´Colors Continue Reading
Various Artists – For Our Friends: A Disaster Relief Compilation
This compilation put together by Aloha Got Soul Records out of Hawaii was done in response to the terrible fires which happened in Los Angeles. Thank you from an Angelino. From the label’s Bandcamp site: “We believe in strength in numbers, in the potential within our music community, and in Continue Reading
Ghost – Temple Stone
In honor of my first trip to Japan, I am pleased to present you with my favorite psych album from the country. Ghost was a collective led by multi-instrumentalist Masaki Batoh. This particular album is dripping with psychedelic folk references, bringing an eerie vibe to what would have been known Continue Reading
Mexican Slum Rats – Slum Rat
I get to do my avuncular duty with a bit of pride today, as my niece, Abi, insisted I listen to her current favorite band. The Mexican Slum Rats are Los Angelinos who are deeply loyal to the L.A. punk scene, but what struck me most by this early album Continue Reading
Valerie Renay – Under The Oak
Though I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day much anymore (I will be a nomad for at least a few years more), that doesn’t mean I can’t drop a digital gift on you. Berlin-based singer Valerie Renay has released a fresh new single that is sensual vocally and lyrically, underpinned by dreamy Continue Reading
Various Artists – Los Angeles Rising
Though California has an utterly repellent governor whose incompetence seems boundless, the citizens, rich or poor, are resilient. In honor of the California spirit which has been bruised thanks to the horrible wildfires that destroyed parts of my former home, some fine artists have contributed tracks for this compilation of Continue Reading
Exit North – Anyway, Still
Exit North is a revelation to me. The instrumentation reminds of the sort of progressive rock one would expect to hear from Tim Bowness, Steve Jansen (who happens to provide backing vocals on this album), or in parts, David Sylvian, but singer Thomas Feiner is blessed with a voice so Continue Reading