Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Best of 2011 Part 2

Ok, on to part 2, with part 3 coming right after this one. I got an extra pair of underwear as a late Christmas gift, so I'm in a good mood. Anyone know why they call them a pair? There's various stories on the interwebs, and none of them make any sense. I digress. Here's music.

#18
Wagon Christ
Toomorow


Wagon Christ is one of several pseudonyms employed by English producer Luke Vibert, and under which his best stuff has been published. His specialty is lo-fi hip-hop instrumentals, often with a downtempo breakbeat style. Releasing on a bunch of different labels over the years, this one is on the world class Ninja Tune label, and it's easy to see why.

As a straight album front to back it's a little choppy, but that has more to do with the eclectic style of Vibert rather than misplaced track selection. At any given time there is a mashing of muted horns, chirpy vocal samples, and dreamy synth organs. If you're into trippy, mind-expanding beats, this one could be just the ticket.

Chunkothy


Respectrum


Ain't He Heavy, He's My Brother


#17
Colin Stetson
New History Warfare Vol. 2


You're heard Colin Stetson before, you just don't know it. He's performed with Tom Waits, LCD Soundsystem, The National, and the Arcade Fire, just to name a few. He's a brilliant musician, and if there is any album off this list that will go down as one of the best in future lists, it's this one. The only reason it doesn't make it higher on this list is because it's not something you can just pop in the tape deck and go for a drive with. It takes serious effort to sit and appreciate the eccentricity and splendor contained in it.

It was shortlisted for the 2011 Polaris prize, and by estimation should have won. In terms of pure musicianship and recording innovation, there is nothing even close. Stetson recorded the whole thing live on his bass sax, in single takes, with no dubs or loops, using twenty-odd microphones to record everything from the clicks of the pads to the vibration of his vocal chords. It is a groundbreaking, landmark recording and truly a triumph of modern music. Two thumbs, way up.

Judges


Red Horse (Judges II)


The Righteous Wrath Of An Honorable Man


#16
Hey Rosetta!
Seeds


Tim Baker and Co. have given us their most accomplished album to date, but paradoxically it is my least favorite so far. I say this because it is unquestionably a graduation of sound and depth from their previous work, but it's not nearly as catchy and it's really moved them from merely a really good nu-folk storytelling sort of band into a fully blown epic rock ensemble. After a few more listens, this album will grow on me even more, and it's highly probable that I will eventually prefer this sound to the one I've become accustomed to.

As is the case in these kinds of albums, the most accessible songs on the album are the least impressive. Songs like "Yer Spring" and "Young Glass" are very good but ultimately well surpassed by the rest. If you were previously into the band, like me, you might not appreciate it for all it is yet, but you will. Just give it time. I'm talking to myself again, aren't I...

Yer Fall


Bricks


Parson Brown


EP #6
Mux Mool
Drum EP 2


Brian Lindgren operates out of New York these days, but for a while it seemed like he wouldn't be operating out of anywhere. After contemplating quitting the music scene altogether he was convinced to stick it out a little longer, and thank goodness he did because he's put out a killer EP that will surely lead to even better things in the future. Funky instrumental layers of sonic goodness are awaiting all who pick this six song offering up. Go ahead, you won't be disappointed.

Flying Dreams


The Hundred Dollar Beat


Jen And Soda


Time for snack then back with part 3 in a couple hours.

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