I never expected to encounter a band of devout Christians like Orthodox Outcast, whose sound evokes the demo tapes of early New Order, the Cocteau Twins, or a much more stripped-down version of the Human League. However, I was pleasantly surprised. This is my surprise of the year.
Music
Dan Krimm – Second Wind
Many years ago, I had the pleasure of reviewing fretless bassist and fellow Californian Dan Krimm’s album on my old blog, A Miscellany of Tasteful Music. Recently, Dan informed me that he has a new album coming out, and it’s one of the most elegant and relaxing listens I’ve had in a long Continue Reading
Various Artists – Mellow Label Productions: Omaggio a Demetrio Stratos
Demetrio Stratos was an Egyptian-born Greek who lived in Italy and served as the frontman and vocalist of the legendary progressive rock band Area, as well as a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and music researcher. Mellow Label Productions, a venerable Italian record label, has produced a tribute to his work.
Jon Porras – Achlys
Some interesting facts about Achlys, the latest album by guitarist Jon Porras: “Much of Achlys was composed during violet mountain storms. Living in a forested elevation high above sea level, Porras describes listening to trees sway under pressure, their movements generating both deep, low-end resonance and fragile, intricate patterns of Continue Reading
Odion Livingstone – Where Are Our People
There doesn’t seem to be much info available about Odion Livingstone, but this is a nice, sunny, mellow Nigerian psych album.
Michael Jackson – Thriller
No posts today because I have to attend a school function, so I leave you with a Halloween classic. This is one of the very rare times Michael Jackson will ever be on my blog, but in this case, it’s for a worthy reason.
Sandro Brugnolini – Utopia
From the artist’s Bandcamp site: “Sonor Music Editions is proudly continuing the dive into the glorious Sermi catalogue, a renovated Italian Library label that released, between late 60s and early 70s, some among the most sought-after and insane records of the whole Library/Soundtrack genre. We’re now excited to announce the Continue Reading
Tuxedomoon – Desire (45th Anniversary Edition)
Currently, there is no track list available for this important release, but Tuxedomoon is reissuing their masterpiece, Desire, as a double LP, CD, and digital download. The release date is set for November 21, 2025, just before Thanksgiving. If you’re looking for an avant-garde Christmas gift for yourself, this might be the perfect Continue Reading
Seabuckthorn – A Path Within A Path
Ambient folk sound artist Seabuckthorn has become a favorite by developing a hazy, psych-folk sound that blends the best of Lustmørd and Current 93 with more traditional acts, all the while keeping their experimental music bona fides intact.
Vaudou Game – Fintou
Vadou Game’s Fintou is a James Brown-tinged funky masterpiece, easily the most danceable work to come out of West Africa in a while. Respect to French record label Hot Casa Records for this one.