Les Chants de L'Aurore (LP)
Alcest
I’m going to get this out of the way first. This is not really a metal album per se, while it does have metal moments Alcest reminds me of Lush, Slowdive and even bits of Cathrine Wheel with a tinge of MBV to give it some edge. But Alcest is its own band with its own sound. Les Chants de L’Aurore is a perfect palate cleanser from all the harsh bleak noise I find myself listening to. This is beautiful, surreal, dreamy jangly music that is calming, full of emo and yet at the same time hopeful sounding. This album has some real depth behind the beauty, and one that is on regular rotation since its release. Another unexpected and welcome surprise of 2024.
Read more
Moon's Milk (In Four Phases (LP)
Coil
I am super happy that this has been reissued on LP. An essential release for any fan of Coil or those folks who want something different that has plenty of depth and integrity.
Read more
The Healer (LP)
Sumac
This is avant-garde/exprimental metal done right! Yet another album that exceeded my expectations and and continues to impress me with every listen.
Read more
Infinite Mortality (CD)
Replicant
A modern metal band that has obviously studied all the stuff that came before, learned what made all those bands great and forged their own take on technical death metal, with plenty of heavy dissonant riffs. Overall this is the album that really brings forth, the mojo that makes Replicant stand out and keeps my head a bobbing. Two horns up!
Read more
Disharmonic Variations (LP)
Xasthur
Well, this is about the wonky weirdest album I heard in a long while and of course I thinks it’s great. On one hand It is extremely black metal in spirit but musically I hear Americana through and through. Disharmonic Variations is so close to being a parody, that it somehow transcends that. It becomes a reflection of not only the musician but, in the way the musician/artist transverse the world. Xasthur is a very unique person and I am sure has experienced his fair share of pain, depressions and the general suck of life. He has been an artist that has followed his muse wherever it may go, and well, this is where it went. This album has grown me and I think you should give it a listen.
Read more
Butcher, Baker, Nigthmare Maker (BLU)
I am not going to spoil anything about this film, but it is one of the better cult/grind house/ slashers of 1981. Severin has done an outstanding job of putting love and care into this reissue with a new scan of the original camera negative, as well as providing 6 hours of special features. One hundred percent upgrade of previous releases, and worth a night of your life.
Read more
Peeping Tom (BLU)
Again, I am not going to give you a synopsis of the film, you can find it online. I will note that the new restoration via Criterion is worth it, and I have enjoyed all the supplemental features that are included.
Read more
I'm Not Anyone (CD)
Marc Almond
Soft Cells front man's new album is a collection of self curated covers, from Neil Diamond to King Crimson. For me, a lifelong fan its a must have. His voice may now be a bit "huskier" but is still undiably his. He sounds like hes in a good place and enjoying his days in the Portugal sun.
Read more
Reasonable Woman (CD)
Sia
Sia + Kylie Minogue Sia + Chaka Khan! Yes & Thank you . Who doesn’t enjoy having some dance -pop to relieve their stress as the world crumbles into a dystopian nightmare!
Read more
Before The Party's Over (CD)
Mustii
Belgium pop singer probably known best in the US for being a judge on Ru Pauls Drag Race Belgium. This was their entry into Eurovision 2024. (It didn’t make the top 20) A dramatic anthem about looking for love? Hooking Up ? “Before the party's over (I'm gonna make moves tonight)”
Read more
Elle (CD)
Dangy
I’ve been a fan since 2020’s dance/synth pop hit “Strangers/Lovers” when i was visiting her Norway for the 2nd time
Read more
Don't Follow Me, I'm Lost Too (LP)
Pearl Harbour
A fantastic reissue on both expanded CD & Vinyl! I’ve followed her from Pearl Harbor & The Explosions to touring with the Clash ( she was married to Paul Simonon for a bit ) I’m glad this rockabilly wonder is seeing the light of day again ( my original Vinyl was getting worn - remember to change your needle folks! ) FYI, Amoeba carries a selection of needles AND turntables ( including a cool novelty clear portable one! )
Read more
Once Upon A Time (CD)
Donna Summer
In this “music we like” i also want to give props to a track that i think people should check out: Donna Summer - “Fairy Tale High” from the 1977 LP “Once Upon A Time”. I would say this is one of the first Synth-Pop Tracks ever. Instantly gets me dancing!
Read more
Natasha Khan's latest album is described as an ode to her daughter and their closeness. It is filled with lush synth melodies and vocal flourishes. It's epic nostalgia but there's a sense of urgency.
Read more
The UK trio are known for slick production and lyrics that yearn. Their latest is catchy with lyrics that long for past loves, see "Shipwreck" feat. King Krule. It's a perfect alternative album to reflect on your last breakup.
Read more
Upraising Live (LP)
Bob Marley
Recorded live in 1981 in Europe where the Wailers opened up for Fleetwood Mac and performed Solo shows in support of their latest album uprising ,which was set to break them into African-American audience once and for all. The Wailers would be on tour with the Commodores kicking off in Madison Square Garden Mr. Marley was at his intense best The wailers were one of the tightest live bands in rock history at this point of their career and the backing trio ,The I Three were beautiful talented ladies at the height of their vocal powers No one in the band knew how sick Mr. Marley was except himself but he pushed through He soldiered on - and this was to be their last album and their last tour together And I am so happy that this performance was captured and recorded . This is what Mr. Marley wanted , His music to live on and on And to continue to uplift and inspire people all over the world. Rastaman live up -Positive vibrations
Read more
To All Trains (LP)
Shellac
It's the final Shellac album and it satisfies. You know what you're signing up for. The lyrics are hilarious and the instrumentation is fucking sick! R.I.P Steve Albini.
Read more
Magic Fig (LP)
Magic Fig
This is my favorite Bay Area band at the moment. Their self titled EP is just a magical work of art. Very wizardly, mystical forest dreamlike and lovely sweet with their Canterbury sound. My favorite pieces from their sound are the synth and vocal elements but it's fucking great altogether. They are all talented musicians and there aren't many bands today that sound like them .
Read more
1982 (LP)
Ike Yard
Very strange and eeire synth music. Kinda sounds like working at a factory that manufactures cyborgs that will inevitably destroy the human race. But you're okay with it.
Read more
Spell Blanket - Collected Demos 2006-2009 (CD)
Broadcast
Here are the demos that would have been. But here is the music now. "Follow the light. Look into the light. Look into my eyes and follow the light". Stay tuned for the soon to be released "Distant Call - Collected Demos 2000-2006".
Read more
