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Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Week Of 5/15 - Rock, Glitch, and House

Alright, bit of a low mix this week, two double disc releases loaded up for my listening pleasure.

New And Recent Releases:
Squarepusher
Ufubulum
Label: Warp Records
Released: 5/15 2012
Genre: Glitch, Noise, Experimental

A combination of harmonies, tweaks, barely there and then gone again rhythms, and layered melodies usually describes Squarepusher. This release has less layers, a more stripped down approach to the sound-scape, rhythms stay longer and become more identifiable. Even if long and drawn out. It's an excellent piece of music, all the way through, the whole thing never really lets itself fade out. The glitches and tweaks never settle, even when they find a pattern there's the feeling they'll immediately snap out and do something weird. If you want a break from the standard musical concept, but don't want to stray too far off the beaten path, this is a good selection - a return to form for Squarepusher, without actually going backwards.

The Rough Guide To Psychedelic Africa
with Sir Victor Uwaifo
Label: World Music Network
Released: March 2012
Genre: Rock, Psychedelic

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, most of my exposure to anything psychedelic is 60s American Rock Which is mostly hit or miss. This, well, it's mostly funk influenced jazz than rock with too much guitar and a horn section. It's good, listenable and easy to dance to though. It's mostly music from the 60s and 70s from Africa, you can hear the imitation of culture going on, a decidedly not American approach to American funkadelic. It's also surprisingly mellow music. All in all, a good listen, something to put on at parties when you need dance music that isn't all bass rhythms and heavy beats.


I honestly I have no idea where to start with the bonus disc on one. From my understanding Victor Uwaifo was not only a huge influence on Nigerian music in the 60s, 70s, and beyond. As well as businessman, sculptor, and general artist. This is a re-issue of his Ekassa album, all thr tracks are titled with a number. Again, less psychedelic and more funkadelic. Some really smooth guitar rhythms, though.

Adding To The Collection:
David Guetta
One More Love
Label: EMI
Released: 2010
Genre: House

Yep, more house music from David Guetta. This time lots of mixes, remixes, and collaborations. It seems that's his general modus operandi - work with another musician who usually provides vocals. While Guetta is a near master at crafting catchy house-dance rhythms and beats, he's really only half the music here, a step between mix-DJ and actual composer. I can't say I don't like this, it's really catchy almost every song has a good hook. I'm just very unexcited by it in general. Still, if you good club music to round out your collection for a more thumping house party, David Guetta is a good choice, especially as this is a double disc set to keep the music going for a while without worry.

Hidden Track:
Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestra
Do It With A Rockstar
Label: none - Kickstarter Page
Released: 5/16 2012
Genre: Rock, Punk

Not available to the public yet, a preview track from Amanda Palmer's latest project, which is (as of this writing) on Kickstarter with 8 days to go. It's a pretty good track, nothing like her work with Dresden Dolls though. Lots of 80s throwback. If you liked alt-rock from the 80s, and if this is an indication of the whole album, then any fan of that era will love this. Go back the project and get a hardcopy CD for your collection.

Next Week:
The Hard: KMFDM, Nitzer Ebb, Angelspit. The Soft: Pandora Celtica and a downtempo compilation. Listen Hard!

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