La Souterraine are one of France’s coolest indie labels. They frequently release compilations of alternative music influenced by chanson, bedroom pop and post-punk. Some of the ditties on offer are almost Beatlesque in their pop perfection. Vallée du Don is one I stumbled upon, but the whole catalog is worth Continue Reading
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Adrian Belew – Elevator
Legendary King Crimson and David Bowie guitarist Adrian Belew returns with a brand new progressive rock album that emphasizes rock loudly. It sounds like a very complicated version of power-pop if the song a13 is any indication of what the rest of the album sounds like. The only off-putting thing Continue Reading
Reinier van Houdt – drift nowhere past / the adventure of sleep
Going through Twitter contacts on my account (which will be changed soon, as I want an account that will only concentrate on music and not any other of my pursuits), I came across the name of a label whose work always left me impressed, but whom I had forgotten about, Continue Reading
Lou Reed – Words & Music, May 1965
I never thought I’d have the opportunity to hear Velvet Underground demos, but I suppose this new Lou Reed album will serve as a fine replacement until I find such a box set.
Various Artists – Síntomas de Techno: Ondas Electrónicas Subterráneas Desde Perú (1985-1991)
Buh Records out of Peru has released a compilation which serves as a snapshot of Lima’s grimy techno scene. From the label’s Bandcamp site: “The title of this compilation is inspired by the name of a concert held in Lima in 1991, considered to be the first techno concert to Continue Reading
Henryk Debich – Dyskusja / Busz
What a jazz-funk gem this is! From the Henryk Debich Bandcamp site: Despite the ongoing pandemic, the past year was very successful for the celebration of Henryk Debich’s 100th birthday anniversary. The master’s albums: Zbliżenie [Astigmatic Records] and Horyzonty [GAD Records] turned out to be a huge success, bringing great Continue Reading
Noori & His Dorpa Band – Beja Power! Electric Soul & Brass from Sudan’s Red Sea Coast
I can’t say I know much about who Noori, the tambur-guitarist and leader of his eponymous band is, but to learn more, consider reading this article by OK Africa. From the Bandcamp site: A soundtrack of Sudan’s revolution and the first ever international release of the Beja sound, performed by Continue Reading
Cristina Quesada – Dentro Al Tuo Sogno
Cristina Quesada seems to be the missing link between Italo-Disco, Debby Harry, France Gall and indie-pop. She appears on Elefant Records, one of Spain’s finest independent record labels, and this album absolutely floors its competition. It’s perhaps the funnest record I’ve heard in months, with the energy of a power-pop Continue Reading
Azu Tiwaline & Al Wootton – Alandazu EP
Azu Tiwaline and Al Wootton could not come from more different places on Earth. Azu’s roots are from Tunisia, while Al’s roots are from London’s urban sprawl, yet they manage to collaborate on a kind of dub informed by pulsating trance and Berber-influenced rhythms. Dark, sparse and pleasant.
Air Volta – Volta Jazz
The 1200 Line is an expert reissue label bringing some amazing African music to the masses with meticulously recreated cover art and remastering. This release is from Upper Volta, and it features cumbia rhythms, rhumba, Cuban son and yé-yé blended into a joyful mix. From the Bandcamp site: From the Continue Reading