Anworth Kirk- S/T (Pre-Cert, 2010)

"First release on this new archival label loosely associated with Demdike Stare and the Finders Keepers crew* Pre-Cert Home Entertainment is a new imprint releasing limited vinyl artifacts of contemporary musical and non-musical material dredged from the collections of a number of hugely respected culture vultures in the north of England. Their obsessive tendencies are channeled into this debut release, a 22 minute collage of acousmatic oddities reclaimed from the ditches of VHS video culture, the dustiest corners of the record racks and places most folk won't allow themselves or their children to go. It's a tribute to the immersive and escapist effect of obscure and exotic film soundtracks and banks of library records, European fumetti and obscure sources which feed into their fabric and enhance their psychedelic potential. We can hear precedents for this aesthetic in the cutups of Position Normal and People Like Us or the surreal melodrama of V/Vm's Twin Peaks tribute 'There Was A Fish In the Percolator', but this particular side is more concerned with the noirish ambient hues, moods and textures which reflect the industrial landscape of its local history. The semi-fictitious protagonist Anworth Kirk melds influence from Letterist poetry to tape loops, found-sound and European folklore in a wonderfully uncertain and unpredictable manner, creating an esoteric narrative between the 12 segued tracks presented in two chapters. The vinyl plays at 45rpm - a nod to late period Indian horror soundtracks - and the artwork depicts a cryptic theme set to unravel and complicate in further episodes, including the forthcoming Samhain Slant Azimuth seasonal sound-collage mix. Limited to 500 copies - highly recommended." (Boomkat)

A spooky, far-out sound-collage gathered from the kind of weird, murky detritus you might hear tucked subliminally into a Boards of Canada or Ghostbox production. (Or, Demdike Stare...) This shit is ill. Vinyl rip. LP- only release. 2 tracks- untitled. 320 kbps.

Download Link: Anworth Kirk- S/T (Pre-Cert, 2010)


Read full review of Anworth Kirk - ANWORTH KIRK on Boomkat.com ©

V/A- Ishlihan N-Tenere: Guitar Music From The Western Sahel (Mississippi Records 2010, MR079)

Here's a fresh repost via SahelSounds. Ishlihan N-Tenere: Guitar Music From The Western Sahel is one of Mississipi Record's very latest LP releases (MR-079). What's more, an official high-quality version of the album is available at Bandcamp for just two bucks. Cheap! And 60% of the profits go to the artists. Great stuff. Get on it!

"After a substantial work, we’ve finally wrapped up the first official release from SahelSounds. In collaboration with Mississippi Records, the record Ishilan N-Tenere features contemporary guitar music from three ethnic regions of the Sahel — Fouta Toro, the Niger Buckle, and Adrar D’Ifoghas:

“This compilation highlights recordings of local guitar bands in three areas of modern day Senegal and Mali. These bands are almost unknown outside of their homes but have a devoted local following. They play all events, celebratory or political. Their songs are folk anthems, hummed under the breath and chanted by children, traded by cassette and transferred by cellphone. The guitar bands are the pride of their towns.”

The release is available on vinyl only, the first pressing limited to 2,000 copies, and features a 12 page full color booklet and extensive liner notes written by yours truly.

I strongly believe digital music should be free. However, the option to support the artists is provided should one be so inclined. Much of the music was once featured here on the site, but I’ve also made it available with a sliding scale price beginning at $2, but with the option to go much higher (for the sake of transparency Bandcamp takes a cut and the remaining profit is split 60% to the artists and 40% for SahelSounds).

Download the album at Bandcamp."

Gary "U.S." Bonds- The Best of Gary "U.S." Bonds (Rhino)

Rhino's 1990 Best-of is likely the choicest collection of Gary "U.S" Bonds' '60s hits. As a Tidewater native, I carry a candle for this guy. I'm also fascinated with the bizarre way that the Norfolk R&B Sound, pioneered by Bonds' producer/manager, Frank Guida & his house band, The Church Street Five, demonstrates such a strong affinity for West Indian Calypso. No doubt, Harry Belafonte's Caribbean sound was a hot-selling revelation for American audiences at the time. Bonds' 2nd LP was even called Twist Up Calypso (1962). While a little odd, theirs was an adaptive formula that worked for making fresh, upbeat party records for the 60's American Bandstand set.

This song- School Is In- is my son Amos' favorite thing in the entire universe. I have played this 45 so many times that the sound must be stuck to my walls. Man, he just loves it:



Some trivia: A censored version of Not Me became a hit for The Orlons in 1963. Also, Frank Guida claimed that Dion's Runaround Sue was a rip-off of Quarter To Three.

Seven Day Weekend:



Download Link: Gary "U.S." Bonds- The Best of Gary "U.S." Bonds (Rhino) 320kbps

1 New Orleans
2 Take Me Back to New Orleans
3 Quarter to Three
4 No More Homework
5 School Is Out
6 School Is In
7 Dear Lady Twist
8 Twist, Twist Senora
9 Havin' So Much Fun
10 Do the Bumpsie
11 Perdido (Parts 1 and 2)
12 Seven Day Weekend
13 Soul Food
14 Copy Cat
15 I Wanna Holler (But the Town's Too Small)
16 Lover's Moon
17 Not Me
18 Where Did the Naughty Little Girl Go

The Smiths - Unreleased Demos & Instrumentals [Bootleg Vinyl Rip]

This rip of unreleased Smith's demos has been in interweb circulation for a hot-minute now, but another mention wouldn't hurt. Its big news, as these demos (including 2 Marr instrumentals) hadn't yet seen the light of day. Smiths fans, rejoice (myself included):

The Smiths - Unreleased Demos & Instrumentals [Bootleg Vinyl Rip]



The Hand That Rocks The Cradle
Reel Around The Fountain
Rusholme Ruffians
The Queen Is Dead
Sheila Take A Bow
This Night Has Opened My Eyes
Untitled One (Marr Instrumental)
Ask
There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
Is It Really So Strange?
Frankly, Mr. Shankly
Shoplifters Of The World Unite (Reprise)
Girlfriend In A Coma
Death Of A Disco Dancer
Paint A Vulgar Picture
Untitled Two (Marr Instrumental)

V/A- All Tore Up: Unrequited Love, Tormented Romance, Tragedy & Tearjerkers.... 1955-1968 (Crypt, TU-567)

"A great "concept" album containing a fine slew of emotional (ranging to psychological breakdown!) 50s R&B ballads and mid-60s southern soul love songs, perfect for miserable nights alone missing your loved one…(Crypt Records)

A killer set of of soulful heartbreak ballads and gutbucket r&b stompers from those cats at Crypt Records. All Tore Up was released back in 2000, and now is fairly tough to come by. This is good stuff!


Download Link: V/A- All Tore Up: Unrequited Love, Tormented Romance, Tragedy & Tearjerkers....1955-1968 

1 Donoman & The Lakettes - Here Comes the Fool
2 Little Tommy Brown - Don't Leave Me
3 Cliff Jackson & Jellean Delk - Frank, This Is It
4 Don Hollinger - I Had a Nightmare
5 The Five Royales - I'm on the Right Road Now
6 Billy Miranda - Go Ahead
7 Frankie Brunson - Ward 13
8 Johnny Sayles - You Did Me Wrong
9 Texas Ray - What's Come Over You
10 Billy Gayles - Dreaming of You
11 Rubin Russell - Let it Ring
12 Willie Walker - Warm To Cool To Cold
13 The Shadows - There Stands the Glass
14 The Blonde Bomber - I Am to Blame
15 The Leftovers - Lonely, Lonely Nights
16 Billy Gayles - No Coming Back
17 Nappy Brown - The Right Time
18 Johhny Mae Matthews - That's When it Hurts
19 Tarheel Slim & Little Ann - 2 Time Loser
20 The Starfires - 3 Roses
21 Fontella Bass - Poor Little Fool
22 Comil & Sylvia - Daddy Don't Go
23 Lee Moses - Bad Girl (Part 1)
24 Lee Moses - Bad Girl (Part 2)
25 Carol Jones - Don't Destroy Me

Abdel Halim Hafiz- Zay El Hawa (Soutelphan) عبدالحليم إسماعيل شبانة زي الهوا

Abdel Halim Ali Shabana (Arabic: عبدالحليم علي شبانة) commonly known as Abdel Halim Hafez (Arabic: عبد الحليم حافظ‎) (June 21, 1929 – March 30, 1977), is among the most popular and celebrated singers ever in Egypt and the Arab world...He is also widely known as el-Andaleeb el-Asmar (The Great Dark Skinned Nightingale, Arabic: العندليب الأسمر‎)..[and has also] earned such names as the King of Romance, King of Arabic music, The King of Emotions and Feelings, The Ambassador of Love, The Son of the Revolution and more...(Wikipedia)

Halim Hafiz's legendary performance of Zay El-Hawa ("It Feels Like Love"), released on Soutelphan Records. Can't read the Arabic on the album cover & I haven't pinned down the performance or release dates yet. Anyone? This song's lyrics are written by Mohamed Hamza & the music is composed by Baligh Hamdi. 320 vinyl rip by yours truly.



Download Link: Abdel Halim Hafiz- Zay El Hawa (Soutelphan) عبدالحليم إسماعيل شبانة زي الهوا

GC's 2010 Favorites Lists

With some measure of reluctance, I sat down with my coffee this morning and decided to cobble together a couple of favorites lists for 2010. Spent about 30 minutes recollecting newly released albums that have been in heaviest rotation at home & on iPod throughout the year. We'll call this a work in progress, as these are sure to be expanded upon & amended throughout the rest of December. Albums are posted are in no particular order within their respective categories.
*PS- Will probably whip-up a best 7" Singles list, too. And cassettes. PPS- Looks like I have a good bit in common with the Other Music 2010 list. PPPS- Working in holiday retail is fast draining the life-force out of me...More vinyl rips are on the way, once this mess is all over & done with.


Single-Artist Reissues/ Collections

Rikki Ililonga- Dark Sunrise (Now Again)
Ozzie- Parabolic Rock (SS)
Ngozi Family- 45,000 Volts (No Smoke)
Omar Khorshid- Guitar El Chark (Sublime Frequencies)
Parasites of the Western World- S/T (De Stijl)
Phil Cohran- African Skies (Captcha)
Ted Lucas- S/T (Riverman/Yoga)
Syl Johnson- Complete Mythology (Numero)
WITCH -Introduction (Now Again)
Rob Jo Star Band- S/T (Dom)
A Synthetic History of EMAK (Souljazz)
Ranil y Su Conjunto- Ranil's Jungle Band (MassTropicas)
The Relatives- Don't Let Me Fall (Heavy Light)
Walter Gibbons- Jungle Music (Strut)
Chrisma- Chinese Restaraunt/ Hibernation (Medical)
Charanjit Singh- Synthesizing (Bombay Connection)
Abner Jay- Folk Song Stylist (Mississippi)
Orchestra Regional de Mopti- The Best of the First Biennale of Arts and Culture for the Young (Mississippi)
Dadawah- Peace & Love (Dug Out)
White Boy & The Average Rat Band- S/T (Roach)
Les Rallizes Denudes- Heavier Than A Death in The Family (Phoenix)
Das Ding- H.S.T.A. (Minimal Wave)
Royal Trux- Thank You LP (Plain)
Tommy Jay & Mike Rep- The Grim-O Comix Sequence (Columbus Discount)
Daphne Oram- Oramics (Young Americans)
Catherine Christer Hennix- The Electric Harpsichord (Die Schachtel)
Parson Sound LP Box (Subliminal Sounds)
Edward Larry Gordon- Celestial Vibration (Universal Sound)
The Durutti Column- Return of the Durutti Column & LC (4 Men With Beards)

V/A Compilations

Turkish Freakout: Psych-Folk 1969-1980 (Bouzouki Joe)
Excavated Shellac: Strings (Parlortone)
The Sound of Siam (Soundway)
Palenque Palenque (Soudway)
Baby How Can It Be? (Dust-To-Digital)
Angola Soundtrack (Analog Africa)
Wolf's At The Door (Sutro Park)
Cumbia Beat (Vampi Soul)
Lagos Disco Inferno (Academy)
Been Here All My Days (Mississippi)
Travelling With My Portable Electric Phonograph (Monk)
Good God! Born Again Funk (Numero)
Ecstatic Music of the Jemaa El Fna (Sublime Frequencies)
The Pitch/Gusman Records Story (Fat Possum)
The World Is A Monster: Columbia Hillbilly 1948-58 (Omni)
Deutsche Elektronische Musik: Experimental German Rock & Electronic Music 1972-1983 (Soul Jazz)
Secret Museum of Mankind Vols. 1-3 LP (Outernational)

"Now" Music

Purling Hiss- Hissteria (Richie)
Moon Duo- Escape (Woodsist)
Jack Rose (R.I.P.)- Luck in the Valley (Thrill Jockey)
Tyvek- Nothing Fits (In The Red)
White Fence- White Fence (Woodsist)
Sun City Girls- Funeral Mariachi (Abduction)
Broken Water- Whet (Night People)
Emeralds- Does It Look Like I'm Here (Editions Mego)
Ariel Pink- Before Today (4AD)
Umberto- Prophecy of the Black Widow (Not Not Fun)
Bill Orcutt- Way Down South (Palilalia)
Forest Swords- Dagger Paths (Old English Spelling Bee)
Beach House- Teen Dream (Sub Pop) *I like "Walk in the Park". My extremely choosy two year old doesn't mind it, either.

Ahmed Zelia & Jack Yokowo- Songs of the ISLANDS OF LOVE (Seychelles)

Four songs by Ahmed Zelia & Jack Yokowo on a Decca 45 from Seychelles, aka the ISLANDS OF LOVE. Apparently produced for a local record shop called Ray's Music Room. Production dates, artist bios, etc. are currently unknown. 320 vinyl rip by yours truly.



Download Link: Ahmed Zelia & Jack Yokowo- Songs of the ISLANDS OF LOVE (Seychelles)

1. Noel Minuit
2. Mon reve mon pou mort
3. Jeune fille Bougainville
4. Vaut mieux mon retourne Praslin

Captain Beefheart, RIP.

Sad news, today: Don Van Vliet, "Captain Beefheart", Dies at 69

V/A- FM-BX Society Tape 001 LP (S.S. Records, 2010)

S.S. "Records is pleased to present the first vinyl edition of the FM-BX Society Tape 001. Originally released in 1981 only on cassette, with a limited run of 200, FM-BX 001 was the first in a series of compilation tapes released by the staff of a radio station in Brussels, Belgium. Needless to say, not many tapes made it around, and very few survive today. I'd say that is a shame but with this vinyl release, the word will get out about the bands on this tape, albeit a few decades after its initial release!

FM-BX 001 features three bands, two from Belgium, one from Scotland. The Belgium bands are Isolation Ward and Unit 4. Isolation Ward are known in underground synth collector circles, as they had a bit of a run after their debut on this release. Bleak and futuristic, Isolation Ward fuse post punk with early 80s synth sounds and a DIY approach.

The stars of FM-BX are the all-woman foursome Unit 4. Little is known about the band or their current whereabouts. No problem because their music is all you need to tell you that they had something special going. By their sound, the influences are obvious: Kleenex, Delta 5, and the
Raincoats all reverberate here though less "slick" than any of those bands. Unit 4's aesthetics are more akin to the Petticoats and, at times, the Shaggs. Fans of current day lady singers Titmachine and the Dead Clodettes will dig. This is truly wonderful punk rock.

From Scotland comes the Topplers. If the name sounds familiar, it is doubtful that it is because of the band. One of the Topplers is a guy named Allan Henry, who runs the excellent DIY label Topplers Records. In fact, it is Allan who turned me on to FM-BX to begin with. His band The Topplers? Great stuff. Teens with an ear towards the TV Personalities, The Times, and Subway Sect. They only existed for a couple years but wound up on this tape and, as a result, with an opening slot for Golden Earing! These are the only recordings that exist. Had they come out at the time on a 7"s, I have no doubt DIY collectors would be fighting over copies." (S.S. Records)

Yeah, the Unit 4 tracks are truly on-point. Been bopping around the kitchen all morning to 'em. This reissue was pressed in a vinyl edition of 500.



Download Link: Removed by request from SS

SS056

A1 Unit 4 - Hidden Faces
A2 Unit 4 - Rules
A3 Unit 4 - Growing Up
A4 Unit 4 - Act
A5 Topplers, The - Pat Mc Gluskey
B1 Isolation Ward - Dangerous
B2 Isolation Ward - Trackers Of The Night
B3 Isolation Ward - High & Low
B4 Topplers, The - Slave Train
B5 Topplers, The - Flack Town

V/A- Groove Club Vol. 2: Cambodia Rock Spectacular! 2xLP (Lion Productions, 2010)

"Recorded in raw, bare bones conditions, mostly live and with traditional Cambodian instruments finding their place alongside found keyboards or guitars, the music of the Khmer rock musicians transformed the nightlife of the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, and many years later seduced countless listeners around the world with their groovy sound. The rise to power of the anti-Western, fanatical Khmer Rouge in 1975 caused drastic and permanent changes for Cambodia. These years saw social upheaval in the form of massive famines, selective executions and a brutal campaign of genocide responsible for the deaths of an estimated two million Cambodians, many in the notorious “Killing Fields”. Even the most famous and beloved Khmer musicians could not escape. Sinn Sisamouth (“the Emperor of Khmer Music”), Ros Sereysothea (“The Golden Voice of the Royal Capital”), and Pan Ron met their deaths at the hands of the Khmer Rouge. The music of these honoured musicians and others live on in this exclusive collection, assembled with much love and respect for the artists who made the Khmer rock scene so thrilling. The music here is wild and anarchic, rhythmic and undulating, sometimes sweet and lyrical, but always moving. ‘Cambodia Rock Spectacular!’ captures that deep soulfulness ingrained in the best music; and along with its soon-to-be-revealed sister album, ‘Cambodia Rock Intensified!’, it is perhaps the most definitive collection of classic Cambodian rock music to appear on the scene to date." (Lion Productions)

Vinyl only release. Big ups to yellow5 for this 2xLP sweetness. Currently available for purchase at Dusty Groove, Boomkat, Midhaven....



Download Link: V/A- Groove Club Vol. 2: Cambodia Rock Spectacular! 2xLP (Lion Productions, 2010)

Tracklisting:

A1. Do You No Wrong Again - Thra Kha Band
A2. Khnyom Jah Karake - Tet Somnang & Meas Samon
A3. Pros Chang Reiy - Pan Ron
A4. Tonight, Dance - Ros Sereysothea
A5. Gon Som Merl Kon Mdong (Please Just One More Movie, Daddy) - Ros Sereysothea & Houy Meas

B1. Jet Snaeh Theang Nov - Sinn Sisamouth & Ros Sereysothea
B2. Pail Loung Rom (Go to Dance) - Pan Ron
B3. Oun Chong Rom Leng Ning Bong (I Wanna Dance with You) - Ros Sereysothea
B4. Pralkol Sene Eoui Oun Venh - Houy Meas
B5. Srolanh Oun Jea Nich (I Love Mean Girls) - Pan Ron & In Yeng
B6. Yuvachon Yuvatey Samai Tmai (New Generation Youth) - Sinn Sisamouth & Ros Sereysothea

C1. Tgnai Nih Reabka Khnyom (Today My Friends) - Pan Ron
C2. Satt Thee Thuy - Sinn Sisamouth
C3. Saravan Jun Penh Boromey - Thra Ka Band ft Keo Sokha
C4. Srau'aem Dong Steung Songkae - Sinn Sisamouth

D1. Bong Rau Roub Khnyom - Ros Sereysothea
D2. Duang Netra - Sinn Sisamouth
D3. Jomreang Oun Chreang - Choun Malai
D4. Youm Os Tirk Pnake - Pov Vannary

The Echoes of Zion- The Sound of Spirituals (Smash, MGS 27006)

"The Echoes of Zion Gospel Singers have been called "The South's Favorite Sons." This new album of gospel songs, "The Sound of Spirituals," should certainly prove they deserve such recognition. Their inspiring presentation of these selections is like a guiding light in the darkness for those who feel the terrible uncertainty of the times. There is an expression of dedication and great devotion from their fine renditions of these favorite gospel songs that is easily felt by all who listen. You will surely feel your own beliefs strengthened after hearing the great faith expressed in these songs. (Back cover)

An inspired and inspiring 1961 set from the amazing Echoes of Zion Gospel Singers of Atlanta, GA. Knowing from where and when these songs have come, one can't help but recognize their very real context amidst the struggle for Black American Civil Rights: sit-ins, Freedom Rides, church bombings and the forthcoming March on Washington with Dr. King. This is powerful music. Mono pressing.



Download Link: The Echoes of Zion- The Sound of Spirituals (Smash, MGS 27006) 320 vinyl rip by yours truly.

1. When Jesus Comes
2. Who Art Thou
3. Tell God
4. Sun Will Never Go Down
5. Lost In Sin
6. Walk Right In
7. Wilderness
8. Jesus
9. So Good


*Also of note: Here are a couple of great vintage gospel LP collections that have been released very very recently...

V/A Noah Found Grace: "Amazing stuff, never before anthologized! This compilation collects Jamaican gospel music from the '60s + '70s. We guarantee you've never heard anything like this." Now available via membership in Mike McGonigal's new Social Music Record Club. Hint to Portlanders- you may be able to find this record (in EXTREMELY LIMITED numbers) and others from the club floating around Mississippi Records circa now. As I've personally promised Mike I wouldn't post from this LP (he sent me the WAV's himself, and besides- digital copies of SMRC releases are available with membership on their day of release), that might be the only way you're going to get this record short of ponying up $99 for membership- which is worth it anyway. Check it:





One of Mississippi Records' latest LPs is In The Storm So Long (MSR 066) [now available], a rocking collection of raw, electrified numbers from Savannah, GA's prolific Pitch/ Gusman Records, and licensed from the good folks over at Fat Possum/ Big Legal Mess. I have opted not to post a vinyl rip of this one, as all of the tracks appear to be available on FP's 3xCD Pitch/Gusman label retrospective:

The Pitch/Gusman Records Story (Fat Possum, 2010)

Amen.

Asmahan - Les Archives De La Musique Arabe أسمهان

Amal al-Atrash (Arabic: آمال الأطرش‎)...better known by her stage name Asmahan (أسمهان Asmahān), was a Syrian singer and actress. Having immigrated to Egypt in childhood, her family knew the composer Dawood Hosni, and she sang the compositions of Mohamed El Qasabgi and Zakariyya Ahmad. She also sang the compositions of Mohammed Abdel Wahab and her brother Farid al-Atrash, a then rising star musician in his own right. Hers was the only voice in Arab music to ever pose a serious competition to that of Umm Kulthum,who is considered to be the Arab world's most distinguished singer of the 20th century. Her mysterious death in an automobile accident shocked the public. Journalists spread gossip about her turbulent personal life and an alleged espionage role in World War II. (Wikipedia)

Although her life was short her influence on Arabic singing will stil be felt for a long time. Whereas Ûm Kalsûm brought classical singing to a perfection surpassing that aimed at by hermasters such as Abû al-°Ila, Asmahan's style of interpretation has enriched Arabic song by opening a window to the music of the Western World, without obliterating the fundamental difference between the two sorts of music. (Asmahan.com)

Seriously sublime stuff. Will definitely be posting more from her as I aquire it. Many thanks to Tabbouche's for this one. 256kbps.



Download Link: Asmahan - Les Archives De La Musique Arabe

1. Aleik Salat Allah
2. Layta Lel Barqi
3. Farraq Ma Beinna
4. Naweit Adari
5. Layali El Bashar
6. Ash'inha
7. Layali El Ons
8. Ya Habibi Ta'ala
9. Dakhalt Marra

Hali Gali Halid- VO-ZDRA (Listen Loud!, 1990)

"HG Halid (Goran Bare) was the singer for the Croatian garage punk band Majke. He also knows his Turkish music. So when a wave of trendy commecialized faux-Turkish folk music swept up Yugoslavia in the early 90s, Hali decided to make a record mocking the trendies, using Turkish melodies backed by a hapdashed punk band. His pal Zdenko pressed up 500 copies of this four song 7" on his Listen Loudest label, which released a wealth of music documenting the Croatian punk scene prior to the Civil War." (Static Party)

Cassette version of this peculiar Croatian punk classic. Strangely enough, a handful of copies of the 7" version of this rare EP have ended up in the hands of Scott Soriano of SS Records.

Hajde Da Se Drogiramo (Let's Do Drugs):


Download Link: Hali Gali Halid- VO-ZDRA (Listen Loudest! 1990)

A1 Samo Nočas Da Zaboravim Tugu
A2 Samo Za Tebe
A3 Hajde Da Se Drogiramo
B1 Moje Srce Zna
B2 Mirela
B3 Ne Pitaj Me

V/A- Music From Saharan Cellphones Vol. 2 (Mississippi + SahelSounds Cassette 2010)

Yet another great cassette compilation of boomin' Saharan popular jamz from Mr. Christopher Kirkley of SahelSounds. Some of these tracks bust out the only passable (non-comedic) use of autotune that I can manage enjoy at this point in hip-hop history. Needless to say, this series and that site are deeply recomended. 2010 release by Mississippi Records. 320 rip by yours truly. Tracks are separated. Enjoy.



Download Link: V/A- Music From Saharan Cellphones Vol. 2 (Mississippi/SahelSounds Cassette 2010)

Aidan Coughlan- III (Self-released, 2002?)

Unreleased is more like it. This recently rediscovered collection of bedroom tracks is yet another reminder of the near maddening brilliance of Aidan Coughlan. I'd imagine we all have that friend who's seemingly boundless creative capabilities manage to shame and inspire you all at once. Well, Aidan is that friend for me. I don't think I've heard better music anywhere than in a 5-person living room when someone hands Aidan the guitar. No hyperbole. Aidan writes songs that I swear I've heard before. They can kill me. I call it maddening because I just can't seem to resign myself to his profound aversion to self-promotion. He's just too great not to make it, but he is no doubt a serious hermit (and also now, a family-man), and maybe that is that. I am dating this collection at 2002, but that is a guess. He lived in Harrisonburg, VA at the time that he recorded this. I'm sure this will be an exciting find for all our friends & peoples from that time & place. Aidan & I have both since settled down in Portland, OR. I am still entertaining the hope that one day Aidan will be ready again to write & record more music. Hopefully some fans of this blog will enjoy this heretofore unknown morsel from one of Portland's best kept secrets. Many thanks to Mr. Nicklaus Combs for pulling this one from the vaults. Even Aidan thought this was lost forever.



Download Link: Aidan Coughlan- III (Self-released, 2002?)

1. Intro
2. Wed to Another
3. Pull the Rider Down
4. Not So Long Ago
5. Until the fire consumes us all
6. I am your only son
7. They Sent a Girl to Comfort me
8. Morning Song
9. I am a machine
10. All Down the Waterside
11. Staines Morris
12. Oh my true Love
13. You don't love me anymore
14. All on another day
15. David's lamentation
16. Three Gold rings
17. The Seasons Round
18. Dame Durden
19. Untitled Piano Piece

Moon Duo- Silver Bells / Winter 7" (Holy Mountain, 2010)

"New holiday themed single from Moon Duo. Erik and Sanae add more lilt to the season than any combination of egg nog and booze ever will. On the B side the duo wrap a coat around the classic "Goat Head Soup" deep cut "Winter." (Holy Mountain)

Pretty great rendition of the Christmas oldie. Looks like WFMU was spreading this holiday cheer way back during last December. Here's my vinyl rip of the limited 2010 holiday 7". MD's Stones cover ain't too shabby, either...Enjoy!

Silver Bells by nicholab

Download Link: Moon Duo- Silver Bells / Winter 7" (Holy Mountain, 2010) 320kbps

A: Silver Bells
B: Winter

Hertsi - Kohina (Sähkö, 2010)

"Sähkö present a pre Pan Sonic production dating back to 1993. The 'Kohina' EP features four of the earliest Sahko productions that we're aware of, time-stamped with the same year as the seminal first Ø release and predating the fateful 'Panasonic' 12". We can hear a blatant precursor to that record's brutal bleeps on 'Oodi sähkölle', an outstanding techno number crafted from skull-boring kicks and gracefully intertwining sinewave oscillations, basically setting the template for the next few years of Ø records. Elsewhere we're witness to the genesis of Pan Sonic's power electronics style with 'Rätinää' piling thunderous distortion onto rugged techno before dissolving into cone melting subbass, and on the title track we peer into the vast doom drone abyss that would be further explored in much greater detail. 'Hidas Muutos' completes the record with an uncomfortably autistic rhythm experiment with skeletal percussion buffered by blasts of noise and drowned in tarry black subbass. This must surely stand as a foundational document of techno history as should be owned by all self-respecting industrial heads - these Hardwax/Sahko pressings don't show up every day, so when they do - act sharp." (Boomkat)

I've long admired Pan Sonic's dark, analog-experimental approach to techno. I find much in their sort-of moody, spacious minimalism to be extremely cinematic. This remastered reissue of the antecedent Kohina EP (1993) sounds spot-on. Definitely recommended if you're not averse to electronic music, and such.

Download Link: Hertsi - Kohina (Sähkö, 2010) SÄHKÖ-004. 192-ish VBR, but still bumps.

A1 Rätinä
A2 Oodi Sähkölle
B1 Kohina
B2 Hidas Muutos

Les Rallizes Denudes- Live and Soundboard 1981-1988

"Although the ultra-mysterious and rumour-cloaked Les Rallizes Denudes/Hadaka no Rallizes existed in various forms from November 1967 to their last gig in October 1996 they are practically unknown in - let alone out of - Japan. Their recorded output is incredibly rare and highly priced and interviews or articles in the music press virtually non-existent. Tie that in with links to radical left-wing politics, extreme sensory assault at live shows and a general revolutionary aura and you have what must be the ultimate cult group." (Noise.as)

Whoa, now! This 10-disc Rallizes bootleg set is a serious behemoth. Eternal props to yellow5 for this fine-quality VBR rip. I'm sort-of wondering if Mojioviolet is the original source. This collection could likely prove to be an overdose for many. If you haven't heard them before, I'd recommend that you start with Heavier Than A Death In The Family- which is pretty much agreed upon as their best recorded work. Here's a pretty decent run-down of that whole album over at Fake Jazz.


Anyhow, I've broken up this joker into two parts. Enjoy.

Download Link: Les Rallizes Denudes- Live and Soundboard 1981-1988: Discs 1-5 & Discs 6-10

1. (00:09:35) - Ice Fire (12/9/87)
2. (00:11:27) - Night of the Assassins (12/9/87)
3. (00:05:08) - (12/9/87)
4. (00:10:17) - Field of Artificial Flower (12/9/87)
5. (00:06:37) - A Memory Is Far (1/18/88)
6. (00:21:31) - Ice Fire (1/18/88)
7. (00:10:20) - Ice Fire (10/2/82)
8. (00:07:08) - (10/2/82)
9. (00:07:30) - (10/2/82)
10. (00:10:10) - Night of the Assassins (10/2/82)
11. (00:22:11) - The Last One (10/2/82)
12. (00:08:23) - Ice Fire (10/2/82)
13. (00:14:50) - Ice Fire (11/6/81)
14. (00:12:30) - Night of the Assassins (11/6/81)
15. (00:13:40) - Love Story (11/6/81)
16. (00:16:06) - (11/6/81)
17. (00:13:06) - Field of Artificial Flower (11/6/81)
18. (00:15:17) - (8/18/81)
19. (00:10:43) - Night of the Assassins (8/18/81)
20. (00:22:40) - (8/18/81)
21. (00:06:10) - (8/18/81)
22. (00:15:46) - The Last One (8/18/81)
23. (00:08:20) - Ice Fire (10/2/82)
24. (00:10:46) - Strong Out Deeper Than the Night (12/24/83)
25. (00:14:37) - Field of Artificial Flower (10/2/82)
26. (00:13:30) - Night of the Assassins (12/28/82)
27. (00:08:08) - (12/28/82)
28. (00:10:23) - Ice Fire (2/18/83)
29. (00:19:00) - Ice Fire (2/18/83)
30. (00:07:20) - Night of the Assassins (3/29/83)
31. (00:08:45) - Field of Artificial Flower (3/29/83)
32. (00:13:23) - Ice Fire (3/29/83)
33. (00:08:45) - Enter the Mirror (2/18/83)
34. (00:07:22) - (2/18/83)
35. (00:11:40) - Ice Fire (2/18/83)
36. (00:13:40) - Love Story/Night of the Assassins (2/18/83)
37. (00:08:12) - Field of Artificial Flower (2/18/83)
38. (00:08:56) - Strong Out Deeper Than the Night
39. (00:12:11) - A Memory Is Far (3/29/83)
40. (00:07:00) - (3/29/83)
41. (00:06:23) - Love Story (3/29/83)
42. (00:08:02) - Strong Out Deeper Than the Night (3/29/83)
43. (00:17:06) - The Last One (3/29/83)
44. (00:13:50) - Ice Fire (8/13/84)
45. (00:10:57) - (8/13/84)
46. (00:18:52) - Night of the Assassins (8/13/84)
47. (00:15:46) - Field of Artificial Flower (8/13/84)
48. (00:10:04) - Field of Artificial Flower (4/30/85)
49. (00:09:12) - (4/30/85)
50. (00:09:42) - (4/30/85)
51. (00:09:10) - (4/30/85)
52. (00:14:46) - Strong Out Deeper Than the Night (12/28/82)
53. (00:08:03) - (12/28/82)

Tyvek- Skyin (Excite Bike, 2010)

"Ten songs by TYVEK recorded in late 2004 on four-track at their home in beautiful Detroit, Michigan. Early versions of some songs, other songs exclusive to this release. Pressed in an edition of 500 copies, in recycled LP sleeves with full color 11"x17" paste-on art." (Midhaven)

A rough early demo put to wax by Excite Bike in 2010- EXBX67. Tyvek rocks. I did away with the extra long pauses between songs; ("Tyvek Trap" & "How's Your Beer?", according to the LP) Some measure of hiss & background noise from a background TV (or radio) that stayed on while recording this session. I'd reckon that fans of this band will likely forgive all that. 320 vinyl rip by yours truly.

"Frustration Rock" (Live in Detroit- not the version from Skyin)


Download Link: Tyvek- Skyin (Excite Bike, 2010)

1. This One Or That One
2. Hey Una
3. Future Junk
4. Through Night
5. Frustration Rock
6. Where Were You
7. They're Gone? (*not listed on LP sleeve. This track's name is pure conjecture on my part)
8. Mary Ellen Claims
9. 24 Hours In A Duck Blind (Duck Blinds)
10. Give It Up

(V/A)- Square Wave: Electronic Music 1953-1980

A pretty sweet bootleg cassette comp that I picked up at Mississippi Records last Friday. Appears to be recently compiled, though I'm unsure who's made it. Its a great playlist, regardless. A concise & listenable survey of early electronic squelches, loops and bleeps in the vein of the that excellent OHM box from a few years back. Anyway, I'm pretty down with the whole mixtape revival thing going on these days.

Download Link: (V/A)- Square Wave: Electronic Music 1953-1980 320kbps

Side A

1. J.D. Robb- Rhythmania (1976)
2. Jon Appleton- Chef d'Ouvre (1967)
3. Claudio Rocchi- Tarantella (1976)
4. Erkki Kurenniemi- Inventio/Outventio (1970)
5. Tod Dockstader- #6 (1961)
6. Milton babbitt- Ensembles for Synthesizer (1964)
7. Henry Jacobs- Sonata for Loudspeaker/ Vocal Loops (1953-54)
8. Bell Telephone Laboratories- Computer Speech (1963)
9. Louis and Bebe Barron- Battle with Invisible Monster (1956)
10. Devo- Ugot me Bugged (1975)
11. Bruce Haack- Rubberbands (1968)
12. Raymond Scott- Tic Toc (1964)

Side B

1. Raymond Scott- The Wild Piece (1969)
2. Storm Bugs- Slip Slap (1980)
3. Walter Jepson- Bugs At Large (1967)
4. Morton Subotnick- Silver Apples of the Moon (1967)
5. Cluster- Rote Riki (1974)
6. John Eaton- Soliloquy for Synket (1967)
7. Lejaren Hiller- Nightmare Music (1961)
8. Steve Reich- It's Gonna Rain (1965)

(V/A)- The Rain Don't Fall On Me: Country Blues 1927-1952 (Mississippi Records, 2010 MSR-073)

"Compilation of [mostly] prewar country blues & gospel. Features popular artists such as Blind Willie Johnson, Gary Davis, Bukka White, and Memphis Minnie alongside unfairly less documented artists such as Sonny Boy & his Pals, Lulu Jackson & Willie Mae Williams. Could be viewed as a sequel to their Last Kind Words compilation. Some heavy meditative songs and some dance numbers too." (Vortex Records)

Hot off the record-press. Yet another fine selection of venerable vintage gemstones compiled by those good folks at Mississippi Records. God, I love what they do. Make sure to go buy their LPs. 320 vinyl rip by yours truly.





Download Link: (V/A)- The Rain Don't Fall On Me: Country Blues 1927-1952 (Mississippi Records, 2010 MSR-073)

Side- A
Gary Davis- You Got To Go Down
Sam Hopkins- Needed Time
Henry Thomas- Bull Doze Blues
Bukka White- The Panama Limited
Willie Mae Williams- Don't Want To Go There
William Moore- One Way Gal
Sonny Boy & His Pals- Don't You Leave Me Here

Side- B
Eddie Head- Down On Me
Memphis Minnie- Frankie Jean
Texas Alexander- Levee Camp Moan
Bayless Rose- Black Dog Blues
Garfield Akers- Cottonfield Blues Pt.1
Lulu Jackson- You're Going To Leave The Old Home Jim
Willie Johnson- The Rain Don't Fall On Me

(V/A)- Turkey: Traditional Songs and Music (Lyrichord, 1977)

Turkish field recordings compiled & edited by Wold Dietrich, 1968-1977.

"...Among these pieces there are some relatively old forms but also some new, more urban forms. With one exception all these documents are on-the-field recordings made in various villages during several trips to Turkey in 1968-1977. they illustrate main tendencies- those which are disappearing and others which are developing- in Turkish music of today." (Cover notes)

I've found I'm generally drawn to most anything that's taqsim. 320 Vinyl rip by yours truly. Lyrichord, 1977 (LLST 7356).



Download Link: Removed by request from Lyrichord.

1. Ezan: The Müezzin's call for prayer (Antalya, 1968)- Mustafa Ozdemir (voice)
2. Hunkar Hacibertas Veli'nin Nefesi: Air of Lord Hadijibektash Veli (Incirliova, 1977)- Ali Sözen (lute)
3. Ussak Makaminda Bir Taksim: Improvisation on the Ushak Scale (Bodrum, 1977)- Salih Baysal (violin)
4. 'Zahidem' Turkusu: Song of Zahide (Çandir, 1973)- Halil Ekiz (voice)
5. Hicaz Taksimi Ve Suzinak Pesrevi: Improvisation and Prelude (Wiesbaden, 1973)- Özkan Gençay (zither)
6. Genc Osman: Young Osman (Istanbul, 1976)- Mehter Band of the Asker Müze
7. Koroglu Oyun Havasi: Dance tune (Incirliova, 1977)- Hüseyin Doğan, Sabahattin Diner & Hüseyin Doğan Jr. (shawm/drum)
8. Rumeli Ciftetellisi - Greek ciftelli dance (Ürgüp, 1976)- Haydar & Mustafa Çevik (clarinet/drum)
9. Artvin Honoru: Horon dance from Artvin (Kars, 1976)- Sadi Ternez & Yaşar Aktepe (pipe/drum)
10. Karakoyun Icin Avsar Havasi: Melody for the sheep (Kirazlı Köyü, 1977)- Reşat Uysal (flute)
11. Karakoyun Suyu Icermege Icin - Shepherd tune for the sheep going to drink (Bakırköy, 1977)- Süleyman Özdemir (flute)
12. Samfistik Turkusu: Song of the damascene pistachio (Beşdeğirmenler, 1973)- Ibrahim Kepetçioğlu (voice & lute)
13. Kocaarap Zeyebegi: The old arab Zeybeck dance (Karagözler Köyü, 1977)- Idriz & Kâmil Keskin (gourd fiddle/lute)
14. Arhavi Oyun Havasi: Dance from Arhavi (Arhavi, 1976)- Hasan Turna (fiddle)

My Mind- "Noblesse Oblige"

So, I've been steady rocking "Noblesse Oblige", the latest morsel from fond VA/Philly/ Toronto friends- My Mind. It would appear that this track has been recently included on the Funny/Not Funny Fall Mixtape. If my understanding is correct, they should also have an LP coming out on Harvest Records sometime in early 2011. I featured My Mind's splendiferous Path Masher 7", released last year on Badmaster, way way back in the wee hours of this site. These peeps can be counted on to circumnavigate the far-flung poles between concise & spastic 1-min power-psych-folk jamz* (Did I just write that?) - sourcing their inspiration from such-like Nick Lowe & Nillson, The Raincoats & Hüsker Dü- and an obverse tendency toward more rambunctious & clattering extended drone cacophanies. One might sample their 2009 U.S. Out of My Mind/Stay Out Of The Territories Cassette for a good example of what it is I'm trying to explain. Word.

And older track."Bow Unto The King"(partial) As Eat Forever:


*Actually, I think they're calling it Punk-Pop (but definitely not the other way around)

White- White (Maybe Mars, 2009) 兵马司

"White was formed by Shou Wang and Shen Jing in February 2005, and has quickly become one of the most acclaimed outfits in the Beijing new music scene. White’s sound is ever evolving, spiralling outwards from the core stars of noise and minimalism to take in everything from the phase patterns of Steve Reich, the atonal chords of Glenn Branca, Throbbing Gristle’s aggressive electronic shimmer, Neubauten’s rhythmic invention, and the gu zheng masters of Chinese classical music. Their pieces can range from highly organized agglomerations of atonal chords that have an almost rock and roll ferociousness, to a completely anarchic attack of weirdly syncopated drum sounds derived from a chance encounter with old furniture or a dysfunctional machine.
Shou Wang, who plays guitar, organ, toys, analogue pedals, drums, and effects, is a founder member of the Chinese new music movement ‘No Beijing’ and is the guitarist/vocalist for Beijing noise band Carsick Cars. In spite of his extreme youth he is considered by many [to be] at the very heart of the new generation of Chinese avant-garde musicians, in 2006 flying to New York to take part in Glenn Branca’s famous No.13 recording “Hallucination City” for 100 guitarists. In 2005 he formed White No.1, a septet that paid tribute to the early work of Glenn Branca, and White 2J, in which he played keyboards. Finally he and Shen Jing, who had been admirers of each other’s music from afar and who shared the same passion for New York noise and kosmiche rhythms, formed White as an outlet for their more avant garde tendencies.

Shen Jing plays analogue synth, drums, percussion, sampler, vocals, tape manipulation, and effects; she has been deeply immersed in Beijing’s music scene since 1998, participating in the vibrant explosion it has undergone in recent years. Until 2006, she was the drummer in Beijing indie/punk legends Hang On The Box, but since 2003, her work has increasingly demonstrated her own unique form of cosmic industrial noise.

In May 2007 Blixa Bargeld, of Einsturzende Neubaten fame, shipped White off to Berlin to produce their first CD. For months the results have been kept under wraps and subject to whispers but it will finally be released in May 2008 by Bing Ma Si/Maybe Mars. White will tour Europe behind Einsturzende Neubaten in May 2008 as part of the CD release." (Maybe Mars)

These two are a righteous noise/industrial pulsar illuminating the Beijing experimental scene circa now. This, their debut album, already appears to be woefully out-of-print. Big ups to SmallWett from the 320 rip.

Short clip of a 2006 performance at D22 in Beijing:


Opening for Neubauten in Berlin:


Mediafire Download Link: Removed (see comments).

1 Really Real German 0:11
2 Space Decay 5:22
3 Spring House 4:26
4 Conch Crunch 5:09
5 Beijing Beer 0:19
6 Build A Link 5:01
7 Train Song 5:32
8 English School 0:25
9 Roswitha Strunk 3:56
10 Falling Down 3:59
11 47 Rockets (For Wan Hu) 5:45
12 Traffic Report 0:11
13 Bai 3:45

Douglas Quin- Fathom (Taiga, 2010)

“Douglas Quin’s Fathom brings together four extended underwater soundscapes—two each from the Arctic and Antarctic. The recordings have been gathered over a period of 15 years, capturing an extraordinary palette of sonic voices, events, spaces, and textures. To the human ear, these soundscapes are haunting and otherworldly; yet they are very much of this world—out of earreach. The tracks are minimally edited and are his first field recordings to be archived in vinyl. Included with the release is a sealed envelope containing an insert with specific locations, animals, and other elements heard, giving listeners the option to absorb sound with or without association. The envelope is printed with liner notes and comments from Dutch journalist and music critic René van Peer. Mastered by James Plotkin, cut direct to metal and pressed on 200 gram virgin-vinyl, Fathom comes packaged in custom letterpressed materials and is presented as a limited edition of 1000.” (Taiga)

Just last week, my sister's friend Chance took off to Chile for his seasonal gig on an Antarctic research vessel. At his goodbye dinner, he was explaining how amazingly laser-like leopard seals sound when swimming underwater. Its true. You can hear them in droves on this album's second Antarctic track: "77° 37’ S 165° 48’ E". Fathom offers a fascinating presentation of unprocessed, ethereal polar sounds. Quin's field recordings fall nicely within the very best, most authentic genre of ambient music; that of the natural world. As always, Taiga has pulled out all the packaging stops with a beautiful, deluxe letter-pressed album cover. I believe I'm gonna grab a copy of the real mccoy from Mimaroglu while there's still some left. Big thanks to Dom (in Portugal) for this album rip.

Download Links, Douglas Quin- Fathom (Taiga 11, 2010): FLAC and 320 mp3

Arctic
58° 37’ N 159° 59’ W
59° 02’ N 158° 25’ W
Antarctic
64° 49’ S 64° 02’ W
77° 37’ S 165° 48’ E

(V/A)- Global Accordion: Early Recordings 1927-1948 (Wergo, 2002)

The accordion is the ultimate global instrument. As a catalyst of popular music it spread around the world in the 19th century like wildfire. 26 rare 78rpm recordings from Africa, Latin America, the US, the Caribbean and Europe display the enormous variety of early accordion styles. You will glimpse a wild folk music that hardly exists today. The invention of the "accordion", as it was named in the patent granted to Viennese organ and piano builder Cyrill Demian in 1829 was a musical explosion, which triggered a chain reaction of global dimension. The accordion was louder than any string instrument, and it was portable. It also had fixed tuning. But its biggest advantage was its format as a one-man-band. Even when pressing the wrong notes within a melody it still sounded pleasant. Therefore the accordion was seen as a "miracle box" which immediately allowed everybody without any formal musical training to participate actively in music making. It may truly be claimed that the accordion gave birth to popular music. (Wergo)

This is great stuff. That said, I hereby protest the price of Wergo's $22 CD imports. Furthermore, this album is otherwise unavailable for download in the US, due to Jurassic licensing issues. "No sir, I don't like it." And so, here you go...



Download Link: (V/A)- Global Accordion: Early Recordings 1927-1948 (Wergo, 2002) *320 kbps upgrade from the Owl, ex post facto. Gracias, amigo.

Puerto Rico . Los Borinquenos: Caridad (Bolero plena)
Ireland . The Flanagan Brothers: The Rights of Man
France . Martin Cayla & Adrian Bras: Lo Glaoudo (Bourrée)
Turkey . Papatzis-Tsakiris: Syrtos Politikos
West Africa . George Williams Aingo: Tarkwa Na Abosu
Finland . Aili ja Lyyli Vainikainen: Kasakka-Pollka
Switzerland . Bauernkapelle Lott: Im Alpstübli
Brazil . Luiz Gonzaga: Seu Januario
Louisiana, USA . Les Breaux Frères: Fais Do-Do Negre
Italy . Caesare Pezzolo: Viva la giga
Vienna, Austria . Wiener Original Schrammeln: Slibowitz Tanz
Madagascar . Hira Malaza Taloha: Rambalamanana
Dominica . Grupo Dominicano: Buen Humor (Merengue)
Salzburg, Austria . Instrumental Bauern-Quartett: Dradiwalzer
Russia . Gregori Matusewitch: Yidisher Melodien
Texas/Mexico . Narciso Martinez: El Tecolote (Huapango)
Bavaria, Germany . Georg Weinschütz: S‘Loisachtal
South Africa . Jonas Mate & Kleinbooi Motaung: Mamolikoane
USA . Huddie Ledbetter: Corn Bread Rough
Austria . Steirisches Instrumental-Trio: Übelbacher Walzer
Poland . Stanislaw Bagdzinski: Wesole Wujaszek (Oberek)
Québec, Canada . Monmarquette & St. Jean: Clog de William Durette
Sweden . Lager-Olson Quartet: Koster Valsen
George Tremain: Huntsman‘s Chorus
Styria, Austria . Original Steirische Bauernkapelle: Altsteirische Harmonika Ländler 2
France . Ernest Jaillet: Bouree Lozerienne