Its been a while since Ive gotten a music post out and I think I’ve got a few good suggestions to be made so what have I been listening to lately?
Note: The band/album name link to the bands website which is just me being lazy. I used to use affiliate links but stopped doing that a long time ago. I will also add an itunes link at the end of each post but they are for the US store and im not sure what will happen for those outside the US. Still, read on and hopefully find something new for your ears. I will try and add album art if I have the time later..
Beck – Modern Guilt
This was just released I know but Ive been listening to it a lot and while I would have to admit on the first listen I was trying to figure out what he was trying to do with this album I soon came to really enjoy it. It’s easily one of the most straightforward releases from Beck in some time. Almost a straight up rock album really which is a nice change of pace actually. On his last two albums it seems like he was a bit lost and trying to put out another odelay or something and while I did enjoy them they seemed a bit forced to me. This album feels more natural in a way and to me makes for a more honest album form him and its what I have wanted to see him do for a long time now. Just as a bit of reference, my favorite albums from him are Mellow Gold, One Foot in the Grave and Midnight Vultures. Its one of those artists that I have been listening to as long as I have been serously listening to music if not longer.. (iTunes)
Jamie Lidell – Jim
It’s no secret how much I love Jamie Lidells music. I’ve been listening to him since his first solo album on Warp which is a far cry from this most recent album from him which is essentially a soul record. A brilliant one at that. This album just feels so natural all the way through and I wonder if there is anyone out there who would not enjoy music like this. Like the first single from the album suggests, its a feel good thing. Its a perfect summer album that I would recommend to anyone and everyone. (iTunes)
(also, be sure to check out Jamie’s earlier, more electronic work with super collider, I finally picked up the first of the two albums they released and its GREAT funk/soul meets IDM. Be sure to check the song Take Me Home from that album.. iTunes)
Ryuichi Sakamoto – Tony Takitani (OST)
I have been a fan of the author Haruki Murakami for some time now and when I discovered that one of his short stories had been made into a film I went out and rented it as soon as I had the chance. The film/story was Tony Takitani and I really enjoyed the film. Part of what set the quiet mood of the film was the great film score full of beautiful, subtle piano. I later discovered that it was made by a musician/composer that I really enjoy Ryuichi Sakamoto and found the album and really have enjoyed it. There is a clear theme within the composition and can sometimes feel repetitive but I guess thats the nature of a soundtrack with repeating themes but unlike some soundtracks a number of the songs are longer than a minute long bit so plenty of music to go around. (iTunes)
Xanopticon – Psicicite
Sometimes I’m looking for something a bit more alive and aggressive and this release has filled that hole the last few weeks, although its just a short ep its great. Just imagine Venetian Snares but not so lazy sounding. For those of you who are not familiar with Breakcore think drum n’ bass meets metal meets IDM meets a hyperactive little boy that cant stay focused on anything for more than a few seconds. (iTunes)
A Weather – Cove
Sometimes, ok, more than sometimes, I need something a bit calm in my ears and while I find I often end up going back to a handful of favorites for this sometimes something new comes along that sticks and thats what happened with this album. I can’t remember where I came across the group but they are great. Peaceful songs with lyrics that sometimes border on strange in a cute way with their choice of metaphors but I really love the music and its perfect for a late night in the bedroom or morning in the sun with a nice breakfast feel to it. (iTunes)
Peder – And He Just Pointed to the Sky
While this is not a new discovery, its one that I don’t think I ever mentioned here or on twistedsun.net. On this album you will find hints of Portishead and Cinematic Orchestra but it certainly holds a style of its own with songs that feel like they are straight out of a soundtrack because of their cinematic / percussive feel. Really wonderful, tight production adds to the great feel of the album. Please do yourself a favor and AT LEAST check out the second song on here The Sour, it’s what sold me and its just a brilliant song and will give you a great idea of what to expect further along in the album. A seemingly under appreciated gem of an album. (iTunes)
The Chap – Mega Breakfast
One more this go round and that comes in the form of Mega Breakfast. Its like… you know, I don’t know what its like. Different would be a good word to start with. It’s electronic, its indie rock, its like beck only cleaner? Im really at a loss of words for this one but I have always enjoyed their albums and this is the first one apparently to be released stateside which is crazy to me but have a listen to see what I mean. Really bizarre lyrically and all over the map musically and not one to overlook because its a lot of fun to listen to. (iTunes)
