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Bobo Yéyé: Belle Époque in Upper Volta (Other)
Various Artists
Robust archival document full of writings, photos, and music recordings giving a glimpse of how folks had fun in post-colonial West Africa. The photos have been in the zeitgeist for a long time so it's a real treat to listen to the music that created the soundtrack to young folks creating a new identity for themselves and for Upper Volta. The music seamlessly goes from heavy hitting rock to jazz that sways and swoons all while embracing melodies, harmonies, and tempos unique to West Africa.
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An Orange Colored Day (CD)
Arima Ederra
Beautiful lyrics sung beautifully, with an equally beautiful soundscape accompanying them. I wanna feel like the songs "Free Again" and "Message" all the time.
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GUMBO'! (LP)
Pink Siifu
It's all in the name. This album is truly a pot of gumbo. I don't know what else to say except listen. Best enjoyed while cooking or playing loud in predominately white spaces fr.
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Between the Buttons (US Version) (LP)
The Rolling Stones
1967, Decca. English rock/psych/baroque pop
Early Stones at their most joyous.
Beautiful arrangements. We’ve still got Brian Jones and Andrew Oldham on this one. A solid album from start to finish, with familiar favorites and many hidden gems.
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For the Sake of the Song (LP)
Townes Van Zandt
1968, Poppy. Fort Worth, TX country/folk
Townes is a tragic figure but was one heckuva songwriter (as the title suggests). Sometimes-heart-wrenching lyrics delivered earnestly, real, and true.
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Pretties for You (LP)
Alice Cooper
1969, Straight. Detroit, MI / Phoenix, AZ rock/psych/experimental
It’s interesting to hear hints of the glam that would follow. That being said, this release is more psychedelic than anything else, but with a firm pop-sensibility fitting of the era. Released by Frank Zappa’s label.
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Rufus feat. Chaka Khan (LP)
Rufus feat. Chaka Khan
1975, ABC. Chicago, IL funk/soul/r&b
This is the band Chaka Khan sang for, before she sang, “I’m every woman, it’s all in meeee.” She’s an absolute legend of the 70s and beyond. This was only the beginning. Incredibly catchy and funky.
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Central Heating (LP)
Heatwave
1978, Epic. English r&b/funk/disco
The arrangements, the energy, the musicianship, and the electrifying use of horns on “Grooveline”! If you ever see this on vinyl, buy it!
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Return of the Durutti Column (LP)
Durutti Column
1980, Factory. English ambient/dream pop/post punk
Sit back, relax, and float away to the soothing sounds of Durutti Column’s debut. Beautiful guitar tones, as well as what sound to me like field recordings, and a light, ambient feel.
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ESG (LP)
ESG
1981, 99 Records. Bronx, NY dance punk/funk
A somewhat minimalist sister-act with plenty of percussion, whose influence cannot be overstated. “UFO” is one of the most sampled songs in history, according to wikipedia. Produced by Martin Hannett.
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Epic Garden Music (LP)
Sad Lovers and Giants
1982, Midnight Music. English post punk/goth
Bummer music / beautiful music, perfect for a rainy day.
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Underwater Kites (Cassette)
The Modern Art
1982, Color Records. English electro/synth/minimal wave
Streamlined sound with everything balanced and in its place. The instrumentation is made up of a drum machine, guitar, and synth, completed with a monotone vocal delivery that lends itself well to the rest of the music. This release was part of the C60 cassette movement of the 80s.
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The Script of the Bridge (LP)
The Chameleons
1983, Statik. English post punk/goth
More music for a rainy day, or more appropriately, a thunderstorm. A heavier, more straightforward rock feel than other post punk mentioned here. Absolutely cathartic.
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Burning from the Inside (LP)
Bauhaus
1983, Beggars Banquet. English post punk/goth
What is there to say other than that this is the coolest band of all time? Just get it.
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Speed Kills (LP)
Koro
1983, self-released. Knoxville, TN hardcore punk
Fast, frantic, and catchy, with short little bursts of guitar shredding! Criminally overlooked. They could’ve or should’ve been huge.
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The Strange Idols Pattern and Other Short Stories (LP)
Felt
1984, Cherry Red. English jangle pop/indie pop
Almost-spoken rather than sung vocals with great, cheeky lyrics. If you enjoy the twee subgenre, check this out. And if you’re not familiar with the Cherry Red label, get acquainted! Lots to find there. Produced by John Leckie (XTC, Magazine, the Fall, etc.)
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EP
Squirrel Bait
1985, Homestead. Louisville, KY post hardcore
This EP is rough, with lots of raucous punk energy and is hooky as heck. These were forefathers of the DC hardcore scene that was epitomized by bands like Fugazi and Rites of Spring.
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Arc-Lite (CD)
Loop
1989, Situation Two. English space rock/psych/drone
This music may be repetitive, but instead of growing weary, you’ll find yourself more and more locked into their groove. The vocal style is similar to that of Spiritualized / J. Spaceman. Killer.
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And the Weathermen Shrug Their Shoulders (LP)
The Ex + Tom Cora
1993, Fist Puppet. Dutch punk/experimental/world
This album is manicured, chaotic and trance-inducing all at once. There’s an experimental lean that reminds me of the Lounge Lizards or Marvin Pontiac. It feels primal, rough, yet beautiful and intricate.
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