Albums of 2019

[bune]

I mean, it's subjective because it's music, right? I feel like the musicianship on the last album was sublime, but then I don't like (to pick a band) Ghost because - again - it's subjective.

I've heard them compared to Mumford & Sons and I can see the comparison, but the difference for me is that the female vocalist in OMAM elevates the material whereas M&S are just bad.

Of course it's all subjective. I only know a couple of the band's singles, and I've never really enjoyed them. I think it was "Little Talks" that I first heard, and it sounded to me like a watered down hybrid of Sigur Rós and Arcade Fire.

I don't often trash talk stuff I don't like, because it's a waste of time to do so, but the conversation you and Higgs were having about how 'bland' this new record is just left such an easy opening to make that quip. No harm was intended.

lol, no worries.

[Higgs]

Aussie guitar-driven bluesy band Swazi Gold released an album recently titled Jehovah's Whispers. Here's Reflections from it. I dig the groove.

[Higgs]

It's a bit weird to have both a Chastity Belt and a Julia Shapiro solo album released a few months apart but hey I'll take it I love these guys

I heard the Julia Shapiro record and must say I'm a tad underwhelmed. Not bad but nothing really reaching out and grabbing me at this stage.

Love that Chastity Belt single though.

[Higgs]

Continuining my ongoing discussion with myself in this thread, today's offering is Chris Forsyth's newie All Time Present. As I described it elsewhere, guitar lead, a little Crazy Horse, a little Talking Heads. Here's Mystic Mountain:

[tragabigzanda]

Top 10 maybe?
Hello Morning
Close Captioned
The Kill
Place/Position
Do You Like Me?
Latest Disgrace
Recap Modotti
Nightshop
Break
Life & Limb

I'd maybe bump Life & Limb for Epic Problem

[Higgs]

Ha! Thanks for the feedback trag, you're a good egg. Fwiw I'm quite content posting away these bits and pieces in my little vacuum, I enjoy finding new music and have always used RM as a source, so just trying to give back a little.

I legit lol'd at your Swazi Gold comment. One of the numerous things I love about music is it's base level subjectivity. Of course its all personal opinion and preference, but still it amazes me when I hear someone bag something that I enjoyed. It amazes me in a good way though 'cause whatever floats your boat is alright with me. I also very much enjoy your take on things as you often come at things from a production pov, which for whatever reason is not something that I tend to focus on (unless it sticks out at me obvious-like). So that gets me thinking about stuff a little differently, and that too is mighty cool.

Keep on ritfw trag.

[tragabigzanda]

[LetMeSleep]

That Forsyth album is good.

[liebzz]

I listened to the Strand of Oaks this morning and really enjoyed it.

[Higgs]

OK, so today we move onto proto-metal, groove/afro-beat instrumental territory. I am always very wary when I hear the term "afro-beat" because I've been stung before. I'm drawn to the idea but usually left underwhelmed by the output.

Having said that, Budos Band have been doing this stuff for some time now, generally with pleasing results. Their 2014 album Burnt Offerings was some pretty awesome stoner-fare that was described as "Fela Kuti jamming with Black Sabbath" - what's not to like about that? This year they've released their new album V.

Anyways, here's album opener Old Engine Oil, it tells you all you need to know.

[kreng]

really enjoying these the last few weeks or so, the majority will likely end up on my year end list.

Attarazat Addahabia & Faradjallah - Al Hadaoui
Bill MacKay - Fountain Fire
Fire! Orchestra - Arrival
Full Of Hell - Weeping Choir
Not Waving/Mark Lanegan - Downdwelling
SPAZA - SPAZA
Sunn O))) - Life Metal
The Quiet Temple - The Quiet Temple
Uboa - The Origin Of My Depression
Xiu Xiu - Girl With Basket Of Fruit
Xiu Xiu - Haitian Drums: Girl With Basket Of Fruit

[i got bugs]

Black pumas and strange ranger new albums are both great

[Higgs]

Tyler Ramsey is the lead guitarist from Band of Horses, just released his solo album "For The Morning". It's got a West Coast, valley-vibe, not dissimilar to the Strand of Oaks album from this year (which makes sense as it shares a drummer/engineer with that album). Country twinged, middle of the road, the review I read compared this with Neil, Jackson Browne, Justin Vernon and, on this track in particular, The War on Drugs. Here's A Dream of Home.

[epilogue]

Yeah I dig that.

[Higgs]

Jake Xerxes Fussell has released a collection of deep south ballads entitled Out of Sight. This is the first time he's worked with a full band and I have to say I really appreciate the fuller more complete sounding results.

This is a really enjoyable collection of American folk and blues, put together and delivered in a beautiful way. Another great album for throwing on to get through the office workday, I think I'll be coming back to this one often. Here's The Rainbow Willow:

[Mickey]

!!! I knew Jake and his wife back in Mississippi. Rad to see that he's getting some much deserved attention.

[bodysnatcher]

!!! I knew Jake and his wife back in Mississippi. Rad to see that he's getting some much deserved attention.

mickey, you lived in MS? whereabouts?

[Higgs]

Fujiya & Miyagi are 80's electro funk revivalists. How good does that sound?? Their album "Flashback" is incredibly aptly named, and for mine is fucking excellent. Such a fun and engaging listen. I guarantee if you throw this on at your next gatho the results will be all feet tapping and likely a few more of your buds deciding to park the car and call a cab, staying for an extra beer or three. Here's Gammon:

[Mickey]

!!! I knew Jake and his wife back in Mississippi. Rad to see that he's getting some much deserved attention.

mickey, you lived in MS? whereabouts?

Oxford

[bodysnatcher]

!!! I knew Jake and his wife back in Mississippi. Rad to see that he's getting some much deserved attention.

mickey, you lived in MS? whereabouts?

Oxford

Ouch.

(I went to the other school

But really, Oxford is way better)