Amoeba Music

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. Read more

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. Read more

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. Read more

First of a projected series featuring women jazz composers. Spoiler alert: you'll be anxious for more. Read more

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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. Read more

a beautiful mix of orchestral r&b and slinky hip hop. favorite track: “ChevyS10” Read more

haunting beautiful tender lovely. a must hear. favorite track: “Old City Back Again” Read more

previously unreleased tracks unearthed by dark entries. funky groovy stuff! favorite track: “Love & Passion” Read more

bay area indie rock. members of wild moth, torrey marbled eye and nothing natural. a real super group! favorite track: “Windowpane” Read more

all the quintessential tracks from london's number one pop group! favorite track: “Huevos Mexicana” Read more

Norwegian Post-punk that i have been infatuated with with since hearing Andrew Read more

An old favorite who never disappoints Read more

My favorite new discovery last year Read more

A fantastic read from the lead singer of The Airborne Toxic Event chronicling his tumultuous childhood through the creation of the band. Read more

Great alternative rock Read more

Danny, Dakota & the Wishing Well highlights this indie rock staple Read more

Awesome reissue of her breakout album complete with bonus LP containing the The Lost Sessions and remixes Read more