Deep dark cinematic ambient. Soundtrack for exploring a dead planet floating in airless dark void after a cataclismic event.
Murcof – The Alias Sessions
Flanger – Lollopy Dripper
I had a hard time decoding this record with its extremes ranging from experimental IDM to cool blue jazz. Just thinking about the aspect of this being some weirdly unique and altered jazz sound, gave me associations of The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble or even Brandt Brauer Frick. But this was something different still. And then I read this was a duo of Bernd Friedmann and Uwe Schmidt (Atom™) and it all clicked into place. It’s amazing how two artists can blend into one music in a way that you can see who brought what to the table so clearly.
In full honesty though, my favorite track here is Sweet Silence, which has no electrnics to it, but the film noir atmosphere is just irresistible.
Nu:Tone – Little Spaces
Nu:Tone and Hospital Records like it’s the turn of the millenium and we’re chillin’ to liquid drum and bass. Brings up so many memories from parties to friends. This album is a time trip for sure, but it also shows how great drum and bass is still done. I wonder though if this appeals to the current young generation or it’s just old people’s music.
Loscil – Clara
Gives everything Loscil promises: beautiful beatless ambient with the softest little well-placed noises. It is cinematic but it is not at all theatrical.
Future Disco – Dance Club
It’s all what it says on the cover. Light hearted disco house for home dancing pleasures. Or when my soul needs some easy to digest pop fun but I still want quality music.
The Offspring – Let The Bad Times Roll
When I first listened to this I couldn’t believe how absolutely great this album was. An Offspring record in 2021, which sounds like such a good evolution of them. It’s part serious but part fun, it has drag and beat, it’s all around good punk rock, I just cannot help stamping my feet when listening to it. Although I’m still wrapping up my year-end conclusions but this one is pretty close to being my favorite rock album this year.
Dead Can Dance – Live, 2005
In 2005 when Dead Can Dance reunited they recorded and released a series of shows as limited edition records. Now these got published on Spotify. Naturally it is beautiful material. But also, listening to live concert recordings in the times of lockdowns and cancelled events is a life saver. Part pain of absence but part breath of life.
On a completely side note, thinking about the ethics of republishing of previously limited material. I imagine you can say that the limited experience at his point is the physical copy anyone purchased in 2005. But that sounds kinda like an excuse. I’ve recently seen a sale where previously Kickstarted board games found in the publisher’s storage were being sold, with Kickstarter exclusives included. Makes me go hm.
Blazej Malinowski & Claudio PRC – Future Retro
Amazing tripping techno with dancefloor tempo. This makes me miss a good techno party bad.
Alex Banks – Beneath The Surface
Intimate electronic music (think Moderat) with down to mid tempo and glitchy broken beats. Not the kind of intimate that makes you turn inside and feel blue, but the one that gives a push and inspires.
Jayda G – DJ-Kicks
I spent the Saturday packing up my apartment and organizing things. Perfect soundtrack for that.