Smells Like Autumn
Whip out your slicker and breathe in the burning fireplace - autumn is here. The weather is crisp, somber, and haunting with the shadow playing leaves and the hungry trotting squirrels. I think I'm falling for fall, and choosing it as my favorite season, if not for the music that seeped out of my headphones. Speaking of season, don't forget to check out the latest liftmuziek compilation I whipped out last weekend, appropriately titled smells like autumn, it collects some of my favorite tracks that have appeared in the last couple rotations. Well, onto this installment! (and don't forget to drop me a note at the end...)
================================================================
Kashiwa Daisuke - Program Music I (MIDI Creative, Aug 2007)
I must begin my rotations with this album. A perfect blend of extremely well crafted and absolutely gorgeous acoustic modern classical with post-rock and glitchy beats. Is it possible? YES! Two tracks within this one hour album have absolutely captured all my coveted flavors of music. Seriously, I bow down to Kashiwa as a musician! How can I thank you for creating this truly marvelous masterpiece that moves me throughout this astonishing [as I may only call it] symphony? If I was excited about Ametsub last month, words can not describe my adoration for a newly favorite musician. Have the Japanese figured it out?
Kattoo - hang on to a dream (Hymen, Oct 2006)
Here's another absolute perfect classic soundtrack to your autumn somber atmosphere. Volker Kahl's production is astonishing in its vast and all-encompassing ability of capture the sound of modern classical, IDM, and experimental all in one album. This work is very mature and is definitely a forward step from the previous releases as Beefcake (with Gabor Schablitzki). In summary, this music simply takes my breath away, as I play it over and over through my rotations. Impossible to pass by - a definite must within your collection! Favorite track -
Ala Flaque.
Booka Shade - Movements (Get Physical Music, May 2006)
This funky and breaky tech house album with a touch of electro got me bopping up my head up and down and occasionally reaching over to rate every other track at four and five stars on my iPod. Overall the album from a Frankfurt duo is simply fun to listen to with its upbeat riffs and simple synth chords. A no-thrills production sometimes underplays the delivered message, yet takes you on a clean ride, which is rarely desired but very often required to clear ones head. Don't forget to check out their 2007 release, Dj Kicks.
Dryft - Cell (Unit, 2000)
Mike Cadoo's only album under this alias demonstrate his ability to drift between styles. As a member of Gridlock, Mike produced a good selection of abstract and almost industrial IDM along with Mike Wells on a number of respectful labels (including Hymen). These days, recording under his other only solo artist name, Bitcrush, Mike graces us with post-rock and ambient influenced electronica on a much relaxed (almost shoegazing) spectrum of intensity. Cell, however, shows off his earlier accomplishments in the form of mixed IDM and dark drum'n'bass. For someone like me, who hasn't heard this album before, and who thoroughly enjoys evil breaks, this seven year old release is a remarkable discovery - especially in the context and the contrast of Mike's current chilled out In Distance.
Up, Bustle & Out - Urban Evacuation (Unique, 2003)
With an artist name and an album title like that, one can't help but have certain expectations from the music without having any previous knowledge of the style. Mix in previous releases on Ninja Tune and you've got yourself a nice pigeon hole. In this case our biased classification is not necessarily a bad thing - especially if you like dub, trip-hop, and a style I like to refer to as Ninja Tune :). I hope that all of the above translated well into a compliment for this release from this Bristol duo (how appropriate). It got a bit too much reggae for me towards the end, but I'm sure I'll grab their other (newer) releases.
Vex'd - Degenerate (Planet Mu, July 2005)
Vex'd showed up in my rotations after I watched a video by XLR8R TV called Dubstep 101. I've listened toJamie Teasdale and Roly Porter before, and really like the album, but after a pretty good skooling on the dubstep roots, influence and its difference with grime, I wanted to revisit the style. A wobbly, sharp and deep bass along with a two-step crash as produced in the first release by the Bristol duo practically defines the currently evolving genre. Favorite tracks -Corridor, and Pop Pop.
Ab Ovo - Mouvements (Ant-Zen, Feb 2007)
When a friend recomended Ab Ovo, I pictured an older artist experimenting with ambient sound, to the likes of Alva Noto and Arvo Pärt (hmm, is it perhaps all three artist start with letter 'A' and I have some kind of an association with an album's location within my playlist...). I pressed play and the drony bass at first confirmed my expectations... that is until the distorted breaks hit me unexpectedly between the ears. In the beginning of the first track, Hemisphere, the little clicks did something to my brain where I could actually feel them in the back of my cranium, around where cerebellum meets the spinal cord. Seriously, I wish I was joking. I'm kind of scared of replaying that section again. I could only find more information on this French duo on discogs.com (I refuse to visit myspace). Although I prefer some tracks to be a little longer, I am very happy with this discovery and will attempt to pick up their earlier release.
Goldmund - Corduroy Road (Type, Feb 2005)
Previosly being a bit disappointed by Keith Kenniff's release under Helios, this earlier work from 2006 reminds me of everything I liked about his music. Simple, minimal, and soft piano playing bring out the essence of the instrument and Keith's majestic control of it. A perfect album to snuggle up to, and some hot apple cider (with rum of course), in the upcoming colder months. Favorite track - Door of Our Home.
D'Arcangelo - eksel (Rephlex, Jul 2007)
I returned to the two brothers after my first listen about a month ago. This time I started towards the end of the album, at track 10 precisely, titled Irko, and was very much pleased. A sound almost close to Funckarma left me focused on the next track, and then I wasn't disappointed again. Perhaps I was just in a bad mood that cold evening? Not sure. I'll attempt to listen from the beginning again. Worth another revisit.
Infected Mushroom - Converting Vegetarians (BNE, Apr 2003)
In this double disk album I want to turn your attention towards disk two; the first CD is a standard psytrance release that barely breaks any grounds. However, the second part of the album, which I can only describe as an experimental / downtempo / psybient innovation, is still very enjoyable, even four years later. The crisp production of carefully allocated frequencies and the subtle mix of various styles (bluegrass? ragga? psy?) is an accomplishment that is well deserved of a revisit over and over - especially after every melody implants itself and refuses to let go. One word for you, people -Shakawkaw!
Shpongle - Are You Shpongled? (Twisted, Oct 1998)
Well, since I threw Infected Mushroom into rotations, I had to bring back the original Shpongle. The recurring theme with me these days is the survival rate of some of my favorite music - once again I am amazed that this album is nine years old! The production quality aged a little bit, but the ideas behind the music are timeless. I have always been particularly appreciative of Simon Postford (Hallucinogen) and Raja Ram's ability to blend eastern ethnic, tribal and psychedelic downtempo and chill-out into what can only be classified as psybient - a style almost pioneered by the acclaimed duo. My absolute favorite tracks areBehind Closed Eyelids and Devine Moments of Truth. Highly Recomended if you haven't heard this before.
Shulman - Endless Rhythms of the Beatless Heart (Aleph Zero, Oct 2007)
I got back onto the psybient kick after revisiting Shpongle's earlier album (see review above), and wanted to check out the latest work from the Israeli co-owner of Aleph Zero Records. The music was beautiful, to say the least, however I haven't heard anything new and groundbreaking, as I have expected. Moreover, I was a bit put off by the middle-eastern angle that seemed to be hammered into the album firmly nailing it in a volatile section of the world and leaving nothing behind for the imagination. What I'm trying to say is that I couldn't mentally escape out of the country into which I would never physically set foot.
Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood - Out Louder (Indirecto, Sep 2006)
When you're in need of satisfying your acoustic jazzy needs - no better cure then MMW! In this collaboration with John Scofield, the Brooklyn trio whips out all the favorite grooves. My favorite instrument accompaniment is that of the Hammond B3 and the Melodica in the hands of John Medeski. A particular favorite track is a cover of Julia by the Beatles. If you miss jazz, this may be a great re-introduction into its vast and saturated market.
Various Artists - Intelligent Toys 4 (Sutemos, Nov 2007)
Another amazing and FREE release from a quickly gaining recognition netlabel, Sutemos. And how can one go wrong, if within a single click away patiently wait over two hours of outstanding electronica from artists like Vladislav Delay, Esem, Lackluster, Maps And Diagrams, Syntaks, Praveen, Machine Drum, Funckarma, Quench, and Sleepy Town Manufacture, just to name a few (among 28 tracks). Do not skip another beat and click away to sutemos.net.
Alexandre Desplat - Lust, Caution (Decca, 2007)
When it comes to soundtrack music, I still like to listen to albums that mostly fall within Modern Classical genre. This intricately woven composition places itself for me on the shelf among the works of Clint Mansell and John Williams. I loved the movie, and it was the music that made me purchase this CD, and now I yearn to get my hands on his other soundtracks for Girl With a Pearl Earring, Birthand The Queen. Favorite track -The End of Innocence.
Burial - Untrue (Hyperdub, Nov 2007)
I saw the overwhelming response towards this album in various places, and couldn't resist. Every track contains gloomy and ghost like vocals that bleed loneliness from the somber wrist-slitting music. And that's a good thing, I think, noh? It is the music that truly makes you feel, and expresses the artist's inner soul. And that's not to mention the intricate and detailed production of Dubstep and Abstract Garage from the artist that continues to remain removed from the world and hides behind his anonymous alias. If you let this one slide by, then you're missing out. If you simply don't get it, well, then, there's always time to mature.
Clark - Body Riddle (Warp, October 2006)
A compilation of Chris Clark's earlier and previously unreleased material falls nothing short of his first two LPs uniquely defining his own genre of IDM on Warp Records. Hailing from St Albans, England, Chris delivers choppy breaks and glitchy abstract riffs with an occasional trip-hop sounding beat (Vengeance Drools comes to mind). This is a good example of an album that should take a place on your shelves if not for at least its artwork, beautifully designed by Universal Everything group who masterfully had their hands in other Warp designs. Favorite track -Matthew Unberdened.
Prodigy - Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned (XL, Aug 2004)
When this album first came out, I was a bit disappointed by Liam Howlett's basic output, originally produced all within Reason. I gave it a couple of listens and chucked it away. I guess it's all about expectations again. The tracks surfaced again through some random plays here and there. And finally I listened to the entire album again. It more than just grew on me. I think I had to unclog my ears to fully appreciate Liam's contribution towards evolution of Big Beat. Now this album prominently appears within my rotations and there are more than a few favorite tracks, with Girls, Get Up Get Off and The Way It Is among the top.
Yppah - You Are Beautiful At All Times (Ninja Tune, Nov 2006)
If only I was happy backwards too! An excellent compilation of IDM, Trip Hop, and even Future Jazz, Joe Corrales quickly masters anything he touches. This first album on Ninja Tune is an excellent preview of the output to come from this Houston resident. To understand Joe's music, one only needs to review his background. Take a guitar playing teenager in rock bands and throw him as a scratch DJ into a turntablist group. Enter Ninja Tune. And that's the best I can do with words here, folks. Favorite tracks -Longtime and Again With the Subtitles.
Guitar - Tokyo (Onitor, Feb 2006)
German neofolk with Japanese postrock? Yummy. Seasoned with vocals of Ayako Akashiba and electronic treatment of what some refer to as "laptop folk", this album reminds me of work by múmand Piana. I particularly enjoyed the sound of Japanese traditional Koto guitar overlayed with a trip-hop beat. How can you pass this tasty treat by? Having visited Tokyo, this album drew some very pleasant memories for me. Favorite tracks - Tokyo Memory, Naoki, and Sunday Afternoon at Tamagawa River.
Whip out your slicker and breathe in the burning fireplace - autumn is here. The weather is crisp, somber, and haunting with the shadow playing leaves and the hungry trotting squirrels. I think I'm falling for fall, and choosing it as my favorite season, if not for the music that seeped out of my headphones. Speaking of season, don't forget to check out the latest liftmuziek compilation I whipped out last weekend, appropriately titled smells like autumn, it collects some of my favorite tracks that have appeared in the last couple rotations. Well, onto this installment! (and don't forget to drop me a note at the end...)
================================================================
Kashiwa Daisuke - Program Music I (MIDI Creative, Aug 2007)
I must begin my rotations with this album. A perfect blend of extremely well crafted and absolutely gorgeous acoustic modern classical with post-rock and glitchy beats. Is it possible? YES! Two tracks within this one hour album have absolutely captured all my coveted flavors of music. Seriously, I bow down to Kashiwa as a musician! How can I thank you for creating this truly marvelous masterpiece that moves me throughout this astonishing [as I may only call it] symphony? If I was excited about Ametsub last month, words can not describe my adoration for a newly favorite musician. Have the Japanese figured it out?
Kattoo - hang on to a dream (Hymen, Oct 2006)
Here's another absolute perfect classic soundtrack to your autumn somber atmosphere. Volker Kahl's production is astonishing in its vast and all-encompassing ability of capture the sound of modern classical, IDM, and experimental all in one album. This work is very mature and is definitely a forward step from the previous releases as Beefcake (with Gabor Schablitzki). In summary, this music simply takes my breath away, as I play it over and over through my rotations. Impossible to pass by - a definite must within your collection! Favorite track -
Ala Flaque.Booka Shade - Movements (Get Physical Music, May 2006)
This funky and breaky tech house album with a touch of electro got me bopping up my head up and down and occasionally reaching over to rate every other track at four and five stars on my iPod. Overall the album from a Frankfurt duo is simply fun to listen to with its upbeat riffs and simple synth chords. A no-thrills production sometimes underplays the delivered message, yet takes you on a clean ride, which is rarely desired but very often required to clear ones head. Don't forget to check out their 2007 release, Dj Kicks.
Dryft - Cell (Unit, 2000)
Mike Cadoo's only album under this alias demonstrate his ability to drift between styles. As a member of Gridlock, Mike produced a good selection of abstract and almost industrial IDM along with Mike Wells on a number of respectful labels (including Hymen). These days, recording under his other only solo artist name, Bitcrush, Mike graces us with post-rock and ambient influenced electronica on a much relaxed (almost shoegazing) spectrum of intensity. Cell, however, shows off his earlier accomplishments in the form of mixed IDM and dark drum'n'bass. For someone like me, who hasn't heard this album before, and who thoroughly enjoys evil breaks, this seven year old release is a remarkable discovery - especially in the context and the contrast of Mike's current chilled out In Distance.
Up, Bustle & Out - Urban Evacuation (Unique, 2003)
With an artist name and an album title like that, one can't help but have certain expectations from the music without having any previous knowledge of the style. Mix in previous releases on Ninja Tune and you've got yourself a nice pigeon hole. In this case our biased classification is not necessarily a bad thing - especially if you like dub, trip-hop, and a style I like to refer to as Ninja Tune :). I hope that all of the above translated well into a compliment for this release from this Bristol duo (how appropriate). It got a bit too much reggae for me towards the end, but I'm sure I'll grab their other (newer) releases.
Vex'd - Degenerate (Planet Mu, July 2005)
Vex'd showed up in my rotations after I watched a video by XLR8R TV called Dubstep 101. I've listened toJamie Teasdale and Roly Porter before, and really like the album, but after a pretty good skooling on the dubstep roots, influence and its difference with grime, I wanted to revisit the style. A wobbly, sharp and deep bass along with a two-step crash as produced in the first release by the Bristol duo practically defines the currently evolving genre. Favorite tracks -
Corridor, and Pop Pop. Ab Ovo - Mouvements (Ant-Zen, Feb 2007)
When a friend recomended Ab Ovo, I pictured an older artist experimenting with ambient sound, to the likes of Alva Noto and Arvo Pärt (hmm, is it perhaps all three artist start with letter 'A' and I have some kind of an association with an album's location within my playlist...). I pressed play and the drony bass at first confirmed my expectations... that is until the distorted breaks hit me unexpectedly between the ears. In the beginning of the first track, Hemisphere, the little clicks did something to my brain where I could actually feel them in the back of my cranium, around where cerebellum meets the spinal cord. Seriously, I wish I was joking. I'm kind of scared of replaying that section again. I could only find more information on this French duo on discogs.com (I refuse to visit myspace). Although I prefer some tracks to be a little longer, I am very happy with this discovery and will attempt to pick up their earlier release.
Goldmund - Corduroy Road (Type, Feb 2005)
Previosly being a bit disappointed by Keith Kenniff's release under Helios, this earlier work from 2006 reminds me of everything I liked about his music. Simple, minimal, and soft piano playing bring out the essence of the instrument and Keith's majestic control of it. A perfect album to snuggle up to, and some hot apple cider (with rum of course), in the upcoming colder months. Favorite track - Door of Our Home.
D'Arcangelo - eksel (Rephlex, Jul 2007)
I returned to the two brothers after my first listen about a month ago. This time I started towards the end of the album, at track 10 precisely, titled Irko, and was very much pleased. A sound almost close to Funckarma left me focused on the next track, and then I wasn't disappointed again. Perhaps I was just in a bad mood that cold evening? Not sure. I'll attempt to listen from the beginning again. Worth another revisit.
Infected Mushroom - Converting Vegetarians (BNE, Apr 2003)
In this double disk album I want to turn your attention towards disk two; the first CD is a standard psytrance release that barely breaks any grounds. However, the second part of the album, which I can only describe as an experimental / downtempo / psybient innovation, is still very enjoyable, even four years later. The crisp production of carefully allocated frequencies and the subtle mix of various styles (bluegrass? ragga? psy?) is an accomplishment that is well deserved of a revisit over and over - especially after every melody implants itself and refuses to let go. One word for you, people -
Shakawkaw! Shpongle - Are You Shpongled? (Twisted, Oct 1998)
Well, since I threw Infected Mushroom into rotations, I had to bring back the original Shpongle. The recurring theme with me these days is the survival rate of some of my favorite music - once again I am amazed that this album is nine years old! The production quality aged a little bit, but the ideas behind the music are timeless. I have always been particularly appreciative of Simon Postford (Hallucinogen) and Raja Ram's ability to blend eastern ethnic, tribal and psychedelic downtempo and chill-out into what can only be classified as psybient - a style almost pioneered by the acclaimed duo. My absolute favorite tracks are
Behind Closed Eyelids and Devine Moments of Truth. Highly Recomended if you haven't heard this before. Shulman - Endless Rhythms of the Beatless Heart (Aleph Zero, Oct 2007)
I got back onto the psybient kick after revisiting Shpongle's earlier album (see review above), and wanted to check out the latest work from the Israeli co-owner of Aleph Zero Records. The music was beautiful, to say the least, however I haven't heard anything new and groundbreaking, as I have expected. Moreover, I was a bit put off by the middle-eastern angle that seemed to be hammered into the album firmly nailing it in a volatile section of the world and leaving nothing behind for the imagination. What I'm trying to say is that I couldn't mentally escape out of the country into which I would never physically set foot.
Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood - Out Louder (Indirecto, Sep 2006)
When you're in need of satisfying your acoustic jazzy needs - no better cure then MMW! In this collaboration with John Scofield, the Brooklyn trio whips out all the favorite grooves. My favorite instrument accompaniment is that of the Hammond B3 and the Melodica in the hands of John Medeski. A particular favorite track is a cover of Julia by the Beatles. If you miss jazz, this may be a great re-introduction into its vast and saturated market.
Various Artists - Intelligent Toys 4 (Sutemos, Nov 2007)
Another amazing and FREE release from a quickly gaining recognition netlabel, Sutemos. And how can one go wrong, if within a single click away patiently wait over two hours of outstanding electronica from artists like Vladislav Delay, Esem, Lackluster, Maps And Diagrams, Syntaks, Praveen, Machine Drum, Funckarma, Quench, and Sleepy Town Manufacture, just to name a few (among 28 tracks). Do not skip another beat and click away to sutemos.net.
Alexandre Desplat - Lust, Caution (Decca, 2007)
When it comes to soundtrack music, I still like to listen to albums that mostly fall within Modern Classical genre. This intricately woven composition places itself for me on the shelf among the works of Clint Mansell and John Williams. I loved the movie, and it was the music that made me purchase this CD, and now I yearn to get my hands on his other soundtracks for Girl With a Pearl Earring, Birthand The Queen. Favorite track -
The End of Innocence. Burial - Untrue (Hyperdub, Nov 2007)
I saw the overwhelming response towards this album in various places, and couldn't resist. Every track contains gloomy and ghost like vocals that bleed loneliness from the somber wrist-slitting music. And that's a good thing, I think, noh? It is the music that truly makes you feel, and expresses the artist's inner soul. And that's not to mention the intricate and detailed production of Dubstep and Abstract Garage from the artist that continues to remain removed from the world and hides behind his anonymous alias. If you let this one slide by, then you're missing out. If you simply don't get it, well, then, there's always time to mature.
Clark - Body Riddle (Warp, October 2006)
A compilation of Chris Clark's earlier and previously unreleased material falls nothing short of his first two LPs uniquely defining his own genre of IDM on Warp Records. Hailing from St Albans, England, Chris delivers choppy breaks and glitchy abstract riffs with an occasional trip-hop sounding beat (Vengeance Drools comes to mind). This is a good example of an album that should take a place on your shelves if not for at least its artwork, beautifully designed by Universal Everything group who masterfully had their hands in other Warp designs. Favorite track -
Matthew Unberdened.Prodigy - Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned (XL, Aug 2004)
When this album first came out, I was a bit disappointed by Liam Howlett's basic output, originally produced all within Reason. I gave it a couple of listens and chucked it away. I guess it's all about expectations again. The tracks surfaced again through some random plays here and there. And finally I listened to the entire album again. It more than just grew on me. I think I had to unclog my ears to fully appreciate Liam's contribution towards evolution of Big Beat. Now this album prominently appears within my rotations and there are more than a few favorite tracks, with Girls, Get Up Get Off and The Way It Is among the top.
Yppah - You Are Beautiful At All Times (Ninja Tune, Nov 2006)
If only I was happy backwards too! An excellent compilation of IDM, Trip Hop, and even Future Jazz, Joe Corrales quickly masters anything he touches. This first album on Ninja Tune is an excellent preview of the output to come from this Houston resident. To understand Joe's music, one only needs to review his background. Take a guitar playing teenager in rock bands and throw him as a scratch DJ into a turntablist group. Enter Ninja Tune. And that's the best I can do with words here, folks. Favorite tracks -
Longtime and Again With the Subtitles.Guitar - Tokyo (Onitor, Feb 2006)
German neofolk with Japanese postrock? Yummy. Seasoned with vocals of Ayako Akashiba and electronic treatment of what some refer to as "laptop folk", this album reminds me of work by múmand Piana. I particularly enjoyed the sound of Japanese traditional Koto guitar overlayed with a trip-hop beat. How can you pass this tasty treat by? Having visited Tokyo, this album drew some very pleasant memories for me. Favorite tracks - Tokyo Memory, Naoki, and Sunday Afternoon at Tamagawa River.
