Eclectic Vibes - January 2017
by Andrew Frey
Nahko and Medicine for the People capture my performer/performance of the year award. - photo by Andrew Frey
George Carlin said it best. “Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.”
2016 BESTIES
How did your musical tastes change and evolve in 2016? Trap, rap and indie rock made huge strides in popularity, but it didn’t swing that way in my world. Also, the style of listening has morphed from individual releases to long panoramas of preferred styles, mixes and focal points. A few particular releases did stand out though. On Dec 30, the Australian remix artist POGO unveiled his most recent gem, Weightless. His prior release, Kindred Shadow, repeatedly tickled my ears for much of 2016. But so did Charade by Supersillyus, Holoboint by Globular, Dreaming of an Old Tomorrow by The Polish Ambassador, and Karuna by David Starfire Music.
February found me in Tucson at the Gem n Jam music festival. It was a spectacular art filled experience overall, but Nahko Bear and Medicine for the People stole the show. This, along with 4 other excellent 2016 live performances scores him/them best performer/performance of the year slot for me. A close second was the Too Many Zooz & Beats Antique show in October at the Majestic Theater in Madison, which was stunning as well. On 4/20 weekend Natty Nation unveiled their new album, Divine Spark, which captures my favorite local band/release for 2016. However, another local favorite, People Brothers Band rocketed to my most viewed band spot, literally played too many amazing performances and locations, including their own festival, to recount! I am excited to see what 2017 has in store for me. nahko.com pogomix.net nattynation.com
MEMPHIS MEL
Melissa Etheridge has been a household name and musical force for decades. In Oct of 2016 after compounding her life experiences she brought us Memphis Rock & Soul, her first album full of cover material. Here she delves deep into the archives of the late Stax Records (revived for this album by Concord) while giving them her special touch. Find out where her life has taken her when she brings her full bag o goodies to the Orpheum Theater in Madison, WI on 1/6. www.melissaetheridge.com
MAGIC PIPER
Ever the crowd pleasing conundrum, the crazed caveman of technology known at That 1 Guy has tipped his hat and is bringing “the magic pipe” to us again. His style of future funktronic eminations are unique unto his compositions because of the instrumentation. Further, he has waved his checkered tour flag in the new year and will convey his newest creations and slights of hand to the masses on 1/26 at the Frequency in Madison, WI. that1guy.com
POSTMODERNISM
Craving to hear that top pop song done with a vintage spin? Postmodern Jukebox has built their career on cleverly yet expertly retooling and remolding modern classics into enthralling entertainment with a twist. From Sia to Radiohead to Queen to Maroon 5 and many others, this prolific and popular group swirls them into 1920s and 1930s throwbacks by infusing doo wop, blues, R&B and soul stylings into these blue chip selections. Totally entertaining! Get thrown back on 1/27 at the Orpheum Theater in Madison, WI. postmodernjukebox.com
MICRO REVIEWS:
This Month's Rating Scale is from 1 is Emulative thru 10 is Ostentatious
The Gaslamp Killer - Instrumentalepathy
The Gaslamp Killer
Album title: Instrumentalepathy
Record Label: Cuss Records
Rating: 9
Unclassifiable and ever morphing, this psychedelic stream of consciousness release will find fans in many nooks and crannies of surrealistic electronic experimentation. Not so much a soundtrack as a drive down a musical mystery theater of new discoveries. What new world will this take you to?
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The The Gaslamp Killer online:
• Website • Facebook • Wiki
• Download Instrumentalepathy from Amazon
• Purchase Instrumentalepathy on Amazon