Monday, February 24, 2014

"Holding On" by Classixx

Song: Holding On
Artist: Classixx
Album: Hanging Gardens
Also try:  Hercules & Love Affair
Commentary: My buddy, Steve, just released his 2013 list and this was toward the end, so that's a good sign that it'll get even better as I work my way up. Anohni's appearance on Hercules & Love Affair was my first (and only other, to date) exposure to "nu-disco." Pretty groovy.

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Sunday, February 23, 2014

"Come Out" by Steve Reich

Song: Come Out
Artist: Steve Reich
Also try:  Philip Glass, Terry Riley, LaMonte Young
Commentary: Make sure to read the backstory on Wikipedia. This song is an early example (1966) of the minimalist strain of experimental music. It's an interesting history lesson, but I think it's an interesting listen too...

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Monday, February 17, 2014

"Blue Crystal Fire" by Robbie Basho

Song: Blue Crystal Fire
Artist: Robbie Basho
Album:
Visions of the Country Also try:  Daniel Higgs, Sandy Bull, John Fahey, Hamza el Din
Commentary: Not to be confused with Matsuo Bashō, 17th century poet whence Robbie took his name. Robbie Basho is a cool player of weird guitar tunes. I've been digging Western music inspired by classical Indian ragas, lately (see Daniel Higgs and Sandy Bull). And the beautiful vibrato of the voice here. Also, good mustache pics of Robbie Basho out there, just sayin'.

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Friday, February 14, 2014

"You're Not Good Enough" by Blood Orange

Song: You're Not Good Enough
Artist: Blood Orange
Album: Cupid Deluxe
Also try:  Daft Punk, Disclosure, Nicolas Jaar
Commentary: I kept wanting to like Cupid Deluxe because it's the best album cover of the year. It took me 3 full-album listens though to get into it. "You're Not Good Enough" is kind of a no-brainer, though. That and Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" are stuck in my head this week, if that places it for you.

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Monday, February 10, 2014

"Erie Canal" by Alasdair Roberts

So I guess I missed about a month here, whoops!

Song: Erie Canal
Artist: Alasdair Roberts
Album: Weary Engine Blues: Crossroads
Also try:  Jason Molina, Amalgamated Sons of Rest, Damien Jurado
Commentary: Great compilation of great Jason Molina songs (although I can't find record of the original of this one). This song does a lot in a short span. Also, Alasdair Roberts' voice is right up my alley.
PS - I'm still a sucker for that lo-fi sound.

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