2023 was a magnificent year for music releases, but a harsh one for those whom we lost. The latest major artist we lost was The Pogues’ frontman, Shane MacGowan, who died on November 30th. Folk singer Enda Reilly participated in a procession through Dublin in Shane’s honor and was moved Continue Reading
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Heritage Bagpipes – The Angel Gabriel
As we celebrate (at least on the Western Calendar) the birth of Jesus, the Christ, I leave you this evening with a traditional tune once performed by Sting under another name (Gabriel’s Message), this time played on bagpipes by staff at Heritage Bapipes.
Triosone – Christmas Lounge Vol.1
One more day before Gregorian Christmas, so we spend it listening to Christmas lounge music, courtesy of Triosone!
Blacknall Arts – Lessons & Carols: Live from Blacknall Church
As Advent nears its finish and we prepare to celebrate the Nativity, we have a rather charming Protestant offering from Blacknall Arts which wouldn’t sound out of place to Fairport Convention fans.
Various Artists – Four Flies Records: Best of 2023
I don’t do year-end lists because of the absolute onslaught of releases I get to hear throughout the year can be overwhelming, but I like when those I admire do it for me. The magnificent Four Flies Records have released a compilation of 15 easy-listening/soundtrack cuts that made a swinging Continue Reading
Jessika Kenney & Eyvind Kang – Azure
Two masters of drone at their peak after two decades of collaboration. From the duo’s Bandcamp site: “Since beginning to work together as a duo in the early 2000s, Kang and Kenney have collaborated on sound installations, music for orchestra, choir, and mixed ensembles in addition to releasing numerous widely Continue Reading
Li Xing – Lost Track
Li Xing is a Shanghai-based psychedelic noise-rock guitarist who produces a sludgy, powerful album which is reminiscent of Keiji Haino’s mid-period guitar noise era.
Ofege – How Do You Feel
This album is quite a revelation! Ofege, A group of hippies from Nigeria came together to record an absolutely solid disc full of tunes that sound less Afrobeat and more West Coast psych. A cool album, indeed.
Gianni Oddi – Dreamin’ / Geronimo
Four Flies Records is an Italian label which “rescues golden age soundtracks from oblivion,” and we here are MYNTH are thankful for it! This release is a 7-inch record by Italian saxophonist Gianni Oddi (in Italian) which blends a grimy funk with easy/cheesy/sleazy listening grooves. This will definitely appeal to Continue Reading
Johanna Juhola – A Brighter Future
What a joyous release this is! Accordion-based music out of Finland is just what the doctor ordered for our chilly Beijing day. Johanna Juhola is one of many incredible artists on the Nordic Notes imprint who have blown my mind this year. Imagine a collection ranging from traditional music melded Continue Reading