Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Rob Swift - The Architecht
Rob SwiftThe Architecht
Label: Ipecac Records
Quirky and jerky electronics incorporating elements flung far from most current norms. Divergently texturized by the two rapped vocal tracks; the rest of the release captures dynamics and mood from classical music samples to lead us on a unique electronic journey.
• Rob Swift Website • Rob Swift WikiSharon Shannon - Saints & Scoundrels
Sharon ShannonSaints & Scoundrels
Label: The Daisy Label
A goodly smattering of Irish, Celtic and Cajun musical reflections show off the charm, versatility and capabilities of this multi-platinum award-winning accordion player. She is joined by a bevy of guests (way too many to list!) which broaden the allure and personality of this release to a certain point of irresistibility.
• Sharon Shannon Website • Sharon Shannon WikiMike Patton - Mondo Cane
Mike PattonMondo Cane
Label: Ipecac Recordings
Continuing to push limits, this incredible vocalist who has fronted numerous bands (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, Fantomas, etc) and co-started the Ipecac Record label, finds himself embedded in the midst of an impressive 20 piece orchestra plying his oral delights in Italian. Experimental yet fun, upbeat, cohesive and quite listenable.
• Mike Patton Website • Mike Patton WikiNext Stop... Soweto - Township Sounds From the Golden Age of Mbaqanga
Next Stop... SowetoTownship Sounds From the Golden Age of Mbaqanga
Label: Strut Records
20 unreleased tracks of rare and obscure 60s-70s compositions from South Africa producing a brief historical overview of the infectious rhythms and jazz inspired beats that were energizing the townships at the time. The wonderful variety of vocals and local styles on this first of 3 volumes make this a winner in any era.
• Next Stop... Soweto WebsiteMind.In.A.Box - Retro
Mind.In.A.BoxRetro
Label: Metropolis Records
Featured here are 11 crafty conjurations utilizing Commodore 64 sounds and themes that are reflected, magnified and re-inspired through current dark synthpop style electronica. This targeted computer music time capsule will thrill those with Commodore 64 memories while mystifying or enlightening those who don’t.
• Mind.In.A.Box Website • Mind.In.A.Box WikiPrizzy Prizzy Please - Chroma Cannon
Prizzy Prizzy PleaseChroma Cannon
Label: Joyful Noise Recordings
Edgy caterwauling punk n roll concoctions from Chicago enhanced with saxophone, grit, humor, and consternation. The raucous and raspy vocals fuel the brimstone and forthright intensity blasted through their song melodies and overall presentation.
• Prizzy Prizzy Please FacebookRare Blend - Sessions
Rare BlendSessions
Label: Tough Steam Music
An instrumental triple threat showing off multiple aspects of their musical prowess and personality via tracks from stage, studio and film. Having already maintained for 15 years, this progressive jazz/jam/fusion group here highlights a solid panorama of their capabilities and strengths.
• Rare Blend WebsiteSora - Heartwood
SoraHeartwood
Label: Corvid Media
Soothing and refreshing Celtic music spearheaded by this traditionally styled vocalist. Her voice twinkles with delicate splashes of vibrato amidst the lushly melodic atmospheres that bloom from the emotional tales told as the panorama of instruments unfolds.
• Sora Website • Sora FacebookTestament - Formation of Damnation
TestamentFormation of Damnation
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Abiding by their time honored thrash metal traditions, this legendary Bay Area group blasts your brain with another healthy dose of neck wrecking classics. Originally released in 2008, now reborn and re-released as a deluxe package including a second 4 song DVD disc.
• Testament Website • Testament WikiLokesh - Utopia
LokeshUtopia
Label: Moonrise Records
A bright minded DJ born in New Delhi but residing in San Fransisco. If you are compelled to visit mystical realms of pleasantly enveloping world spanning ethno electronica, then this would be a fascinating and fantastic place to start.
Adam Green - Musik For A Play
Adam GreenMusik For A Play
Label: Contraphonic
“Musik For A Play” Curious, quick and quirky compositions with the natural ambience and dynamics of a soundtrack. Guitar and piano driven melodies wind the loops of pensive introspection to effervesce into flowers of simplistic independence and flourish.
• Adam Green Website • Adam Green WikiJimi Hendrix - Valleys Of Neptune
Jimi HendrixValleys Of Neptune
Label: Sony Legacy
Hendrix is an undeniable legend, but this release is just a side note to his legacy. The few actual newly reconstructed songs are mixed with alternate versions of prior released songs. Although it sounds great and it is a great talking point, I am left only partially satisfied while thinking this was mostly for the moola, not the art.
• Jimi Hendrix Website • Jimi Hendrix WikiView More
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