Tropicale: When La Dolce Vita discovered Exotica, Calypso, Mambo, Samba & other tropical rhythms (1959-1969) (LP)
Various
A nice spin on the classic Italian Library/Soundtrack era. No space age knob turning or car chase jazz. The sound stays with the faux world exotica vibe and is far more upbeat than the usually moody going down the jungle river about to be eaten by headhunters feel. Umiliani, Morricone, Piccioni, Trovajoli, etc. Sunny day drinking record.
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Seychelles (LP)
Masayoshi Takanaka
I never really imagined this would be reissued in the states. Then again never thought this would be internet algorithm interest? I always dug the Sadistic Mika Band LP’s that were common budget bin titles especially the trak “Time Machine” with Takanka on guitar. Seychelles occupies a similar weird music space not quite yacht rock & not quite fern bar jazz but a guitar salad all its own.
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Sa-Re-Ga Machan (LP)
Ananda Shankar
Originally released in the early 80’s but really sounding more like a 70s effort, continuing with his East meets West sound. The psychedelic feel is abandoned in favor of a playful Exotica take. Obviously not your Quiet Village variety but if you’re down with Yma Sumac’s “Miracle” this is the jam. Listen to the track “Night in the Forest” & may the Tiki Gods be with you.
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Gincho Wataridori (LP)
Meiko Kaji
Late night lounge music with an abundance of danger and sexy. You should also watch the related movies.
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But Who's Gonna Play the Melody? (CD)
Edgar Meyer / Christian
Just some flat out great upright bass playing--bowed, plucked, swung, thumped, and growled.
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The Colours of My Life: A Cy Coleman Songbook (CD)
Janis Siegel & Yaron
Sometimes I recognize the tune, sometimes not; it's obviously a deep and accomplished repertoire. "Witchcraft," sure. "Playboy's Theme"? Maybe not. It's a fresh and engaging presentation, though.
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The Magic City (LP)
Meshell Ndegeocello
I'm not too familiar with Sun Ra's music--of which this is part of the Red, Hot & Ra series of records--but the mix of Ra's spaciness with Ndegeocello's earthy funk sounds good to me.
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Rectangles and Circumstance (LP)
Caroline Shaw / So Percussion
The art song, if it were written by a modern composer using literary references, with an empathetic ensemble that incorporates weird instrumentation and multitracking. Kind of where Laurie Anderson might have wound up if she maintained a regular group.
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Cloudward (LP)
Mary Halvorson
Halvorson's writing and playing are precise and inventive, and the musicians know how to make the most of what they're given. They execute their demanding parts, but when they get their solos, it's off to the races!
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Transfiguration (CD)
James Brandon Lewis Quartet
These guys know how to get "out there" without being atonal, and they do it together, with the same fearless spirit.
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Rhythm of the World (LP)
The Cowsills
Okay, dad rock is dead, how about dad pop? The Cowsills have endured trials and tribulations to come up with a bunch of catchy songs; I haven't gotten "Nuclear Winter" out of my head for days.
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Decades (LP)
Maria Schneider Orchestra
A three-LP set, covering the best of Schneider's three decades of writing? Yes, please. www.artistshare.com
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Room on Fire (LP)
The Strokes
The Now Now (LP)
Gorillaz
Past Lives (BLU)
I've been watching all the movies that were nominated in the "Best Picture" category of the 2024 Academy Awards and this is by far my favorite. A very calm and meditative movie that in its simplicity conveys the many layers within the human consciousness.
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Past Lives Soundtrack (LP)
Christopher Bear / Daniel
And I love the soundtrack just as much as I love the film!
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Too Dark Park (LP)
Skinny Puppy
A vinyl re-release of the classic Skinny Puppy record. A quintessential album and A MUST for any electronic / industrial fan.
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Opus Dei (LP)
Laibach
Remastered deluxe edition of the 1987 album. Contains the band's version of the Queen song "One Vision." "GIMME A LIGHT BEER!" If you know you know.
Available on single LP as well as a 2 CD box set that contains bonus live tracks.
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