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Runner/Music for Ensemble and Orchestra (Other)
Steve Reich
Steve Reich has long been an exciting composer, taking minimalist ideas and expanding upon them in huge ways. This album (featuring our hometown orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by Susanna Malkki) is no different, showcasing the colors, textures, and sounds Reich is famous for.
I'd like to focus on Runner, the piece that begins the album. A simple 16th note rhythm is the main engine for the work and even though this idea doesn't last for the duration of the piece, the energy it brings is carried all the way to the end by the LA Phil's brilliant playing. The piece comes to fruition in Music for Ensemble and Orchestra, further expanding upon the textures Reich sets forth in the first half. A must for any fan of Max Richter or Philip Glass.
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Violin Concerto No. 2 & Selected Film Themes (CD)
John Williams
The 91 year old John Williams is busier than ever and no album showcases this more than the premiere recording of his latest large scale concert work, written for world renowned violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter.
Williams' second violin concerto is a departure from his filmwork, yet undoubtedly and unapologetically John Williams. Big brass chorales, a few unexpected trios (violin, trombone, and timpani!?), and odd harmonies make this more in line with Schoenbergian concert music than what we may expect to find in the universes of Harry Potter or Star Wars, but upon closer inspection, Williams has been priming us for this type of music without even really knowing it (The Knight Bus, anyone?).
The highlight on the CD version of this album is the inclusion of 3 new arrangements of his classic film scores for solo violin and orchestra, including an absolutely haunting rendition of the theme from the Robert Altman film The Long Goodbye.
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In These Times (LP)
Makaya McCraven
Negative: the tracks have a cloistered made-on-my-bedroom-computer feel. Positive: he knows how to take us to interesting places we'd want to visit more than once.
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New Standards Vol. 1 (CD)
Terri Lyne Carrington
First of a projected series featuring women jazz composers. Spoiler alert: you'll be anxious for more.
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Waka/Wazooo (CD)
Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa inhabits many musical guises. My favorite has always been the horny fusion of the early/ mid seventies. Accordingly, this is the archival release I have been waiting 30 years for.
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Natural Brown Prom Queen (LP)
Sudan Archives
a beautiful mix of orchestral r&b and slinky hip hop.
favorite track: “ChevyS10”
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Chronophage (LP)
Chronophage
haunting beautiful tender lovely. a must hear.
favorite track: “Old City Back Again”
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Malebox (LP)
Patrick Cowley
previously unreleased tracks unearthed by dark entries. funky groovy stuff!
favorite track: “Love & Passion”
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Windowpane EP (LP)
Aluminum
bay area indie rock. members of wild moth, torrey marbled eye and nothing natural. a real super group!
favorite track: “Windowpane”
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Pick Of The Pops (Vol. 1) (LP)
The Hit Parade
all the quintessential tracks from london's number one pop group!
favorite track: “Huevos Mexicana”
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Cheater (LP)
Pom Poko
Norwegian Post-punk that i have been infatuated with with since hearing Andrew
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Hollywood Park (Book)
Mikel Jollett
A fantastic read from the lead singer of The Airborne Toxic Event chronicling his tumultuous childhood through the creation of the band.
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Sand & Snow (CD)
A Silent Film
Danny, Dakota & the Wishing Well highlights this indie rock staple
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Wounded Rhymes (10th Anniversary Reissue) (LP)
Lykke Li
Awesome reissue of her breakout album complete with bonus LP containing the The Lost Sessions and remixes
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