In case you missed it, the prog-rock professionals Coheeed and Cambria have released a two disc concept album over the past few months. The albums are called The Afterman: Ascension and The Afterman: Descension. They are true to Co&Ca's typical style while throwing in a few interesting twists. Check out a few of their videos spanning both albums below, and for the true believers out there stop by the official site for their "Inside The Concept" video series to make sense of it all.
After a decade of silence, Dispatch has finally emerged from the shadows to give us their first full album since 2000's Who Are We Living For?. After reuniting last year and releasing their Dispatch EP, the energy around Chad and the gang has been very hopeful. Circles Around The Sun, although a little slow at times, is still an excellent addition to any Dispatch fan's library. With tracks like “Circles Around The Sun” and “Not Messin” its hard not to imagine that these guys still have some amazing music to put out. The whole album is available to stream via Soundcloud, if you like what you hear go by iTunes to grab Circles Around The Sun at the sale price of $6.99 (this week only).
That's right folks! Blockhead has dropped his fifth studio album this week. The LP is called Interludes After Midnight. Here's the lowdown from NinjaTune:
"In the two years since the critically lauded 'The Music Scene', Tony
Simon has traveled the globe and emerged with another collection of
eclectic songs that twist, turn, and grind their way into the listener’s
psyche.
The title comes from an after hours New York City public access show
that ran throughout the 80’s and early 90’s. This was a time before cell
phones, TiVo, and the Internet – a simpler time that has informed the
sonic landscape of the album. This is not rehashing 20 years of popular
hip-hop; this is Blockhead’s ultimate homage to the times and places
that defined his upbringing.
This is a pre-digital road map through the musical consciousness of
Blockhead, a virtual tour of a decidedly non-virtual society – when the
airwaves were for TV, phones were for making calls, and when newspapers
were printed. Hence, 'Interludes After Midnight' is populated with dusty
samples of beeping synths, smooth horn samples blended seamlessly with
funky percussion and a sound that will keep you listening – this is
classic Blockhead."
For a nice taste of Interludes After Midnight check out the mini mix below, and grab the whole album at AmazonMp3, Itunes, or NinjaTune.
Bluegrass darlings Trampled By Turtles have released their long awaited 6th studio album, Stars And Satellites this month. The majority of Stars And Satellites, such as their first single: "Alone", is a tad slower and much more intimate than their previous releases. Although TBT gained a lot of their following from their "speed-grass" style, the newer, more mature style they have given us suits them just as well. Overall Stars and Satellites is an earnest and powerfully romantic album, and while it may not be their best, TBT is continually pushing the boundaries of pop bluegrass as they continue to hone their craft. Check out the video for "Alone" below, as well as a nice free stream of Stars And Satellites further down.
Well kiddos, we have officially entered the new year. As excited as we are for all the new sounds due to come out in 2012, first let's take a look back at some of the amazing music that was released in the crazy roller-coaster that was 2011. Today I have compiled a list of my favorite albums and songs of the year to share with you. Because music takes on such a personal relationship with me I couldn't bring myself to "rate" them in a traditional numbered list. I have however, made a list, one with no numerical value whatsoever, to ease your brain in trying to take it all in. Let's get right to it.
Albums of the Year:
Before I drop this one on you, I would first like to explain what my criteria for best album of the year consisted of. To me, what really makes an album stand out is it's quality as a whole work of art, rather than just the amount of solid singles that may have come from it. Even if there is no stand out single, if I can listen to an artist's album, in its entirety, without skipping a track, that is an amazing thing. I tend to find that most "Best of..." lists on the net contain albums with two or three absolutely perfect singles, but have many more throw away tracks than desired. So here is the list of the my ten favorite albums, from start to finish, of 2011 (in no particular order).
This one will take you on a dreamy sonic voyage. Within and Without sets the perfect mood for curling up with that special someone under a crisp winter night sky.
Warren Haynes could easily be called the new "hardest working man" in the music business. The guy just can't seem to stop. Well, it would seem like he has done it again with his newest solo effort. You can practically feel all the soul he put into this release just oozing out every time you listen.
Although it may only be a three song EP, with Ancient Machines, Minnesota brings a breath of fresh air to the sometimes over-hyped electronic music scene.
With songs seamlessly flowing into each other, a steady driving beat, and the finale of the 16 plus min. fist pumping opus, Tao of the Dead is the perfect album for that long car trip you've been meaning to take. This is Rock N' Roll.
This is one of the better produced hip-hop albums I've heard in a long time. Logic is definitely one to keep an eye on in the coming years.Not to mention Young Sinatra is a FREE release.
Perhaps it's because I grew up (briefly) in the legendary 80's, this album is like taking a ride back to times of innocent youth. It's light, fun, and very danceable when alone in your room.
Its official, Dispatch is back! With their first studio release in over 10 years, it doesn't take a scholar to tell they've still got what it took to catapult them to one of the worlds biggest independent bands on their rise to fame.
Runners Up:
[Shipwerck - Journal], [My Morning Jacket - Circuital], [Icebird - Abandoned Lullaby], [Atmosphere - The Family Sign], [Chadwick Stokes - Simmerkane II], [Araabmuzik - Electronic Dream], [Break Science - Further Than Our Eyes Can See], [Kraddy - Anthems of the Hero], [Mister Heavenly - Out of Love], [The Mountain Goats - All Eternals Deck]
In a year where electronic producers were judged by their Ellie Goulding remixes, Bassnectar set the bar high above the rest with his epic reworking of "Lights". He just may have created the perfect dubstep for the masses with this one.
The Mountain Goats - "High Hawk Season"
John Darnille has been finely tuning his craft for many years, and it definately paying off. In "High Hawk Seasons" his voice sounds smoother and more mature than ever as he passionately calls out "Rise if you're sleeping, Stay awake!". It's hard not to associate this call to arms with the tumultuous year in revolutions around the world we experienced over the past 12 months.
"Late For The Sky" is a special treat for all us hip-hop fans out there. With the perfect combination of a nice beat and soulful chorus paired with some of the scene's most respected artists (Evidence, Slug of Atmosphere, and Aesop Rock) this was a most welcomed release.
Deckard Noir - "Rise and Fall (Demo)
Deckard Noir burst onto the scene this year with this epic soundscape titled "Rise and Fall (Demo)". With a delicate riff on the keys laid over steady drums and climbing guitar parts, this is exactly what a post-rock instrumental track should sound like. Take some notes people, it don't get much better than this.
With his remix of "Scale It Back", 20 year old producer Robotaki has shown the professionals how it's done. He sped the track up just enough to match it effortlessly with the beefed up beat, while simultaneously keeping true to the original track by letting Little Dragon's vocals soar above it all. Well done sir!
Atmosphere - "Became"
There aren't many artists out there that can paint such a vivid picture with their words that you can practically see and smell their story around you. Slug of Atmosphere is one such wordsmith. In "Became" he tells the tale of a camping trip gone wrong. Every word transports you to another reality where you can feel the danger of the woods all around you. That is truly something amazing.
Greensky Bluegrass has outdone themselves with their epic, jam of a song, "All Four". They have mastered the art of honest song writing and their musicianship cannot be denied on the 8 plus min. instrumental part. If John Butler was a Bluegrass musician "All Four" would have been his "Ocean". This is one to sit back and just take in.
My Morning Jacket - "Victory Dance"
"Victory Dance" is the perfect song for the perfect summer sunset. Enough Said.
Although technically The Head and the Heart released their hit "Lost In My Mind" in the last days of 2010, I'm going to let it slide because most people probably didn't actually hear it until this past year. Not to mention that this song is just that damn good. This is one that was just made to sing along (poorly) with close friends. If "Lost In My Mind" brings you no joy, then you sir, have no heart.
Rebleution - "Meant To Be (Feat. Jacob Hemphill of SOJA)"
With the perfect contrasting vocal style coming from Jacob Hemphill and Eric Rachmany, an uplifting message, and great reggae vibes, Rebelution has made an amazing song with "Meant To Be". Any song that can rise the spirit to a place of pleasure like this one is a beautiful thing.
*more to come
Bassnectar
Divergent Spectrum
Album Review
By D-monic
The following is a track by track breakdown of Bassnectar's new album Divergent Spectrum. This is Lorin's 8th album release which builds upon his style of HUGE bass-heavy anthems contrasted with dreamy soundscapes which offer just enough break to catch your breath before launching back into the fray. Old fans will be delighted to hear revamped classics and live concert favorites while new fans will undoubtedly be blown away by the feast of sonic diversity that is Divergent Spectrum.
So without further delay lets dive in!
Upside Down - This track opens the album with thunderous drums and a siren which calls to mind the engine ignition of a rocket ship. Upside Down i a thrill ride for the ears launching listeners into outer-space with the elevator like rising and falling of the main synth. The final minute is my favorite with rapid triplet rhythms and a pulsing/breathing effect on the siren that drive the overall theme of the song home at a different angle than the first go-round.
Plugged In - This collaboration with Rollz is a festive anthem that welcomes old and new fans alike with an energy that is common at a Bassnectar show. Raw, straightforward, and unbridled positive energy are the highlights here. The beautifully harsh and screaming lead siren synth begs for a crowd response (glow stick explosion anyone?). The following melodic twinkles settle listeners into a groove which straps them in for the ride ahead.
IMMIGRANIADA - Yet another collaboration but in a COMPLETELY different direction; however, I feel a word of caution is necessary as casual listeners probably wont dig this one. This crazy little number is something that I wish Bassnectar would do more of just because it is so damn different. The source of the original material that made this frankenstein of a song possible is from Gogol Bordello which is a Gypsy inspired punk rock band (yeah, i said "what the hell is that?" when i first heard it to). Anyways, IMMIGRANIADA is a glimpse into Bassnectar's metal/punk past that quickly disintegrates into a pulsating, twitching freakfest which will delight true fans looking for something they've never heard before. The build up to the second drop is simply nasty with brilliant high hat and vocal morphing.
Boomerang - Thumping guitars highlight this simple yet well executed banger. Yet another prime example of great layering of a diverse sonic pallet. The high pitched lead dances around and fans the fire created by the main mix. It has a vibe similar to songs found on the Timestretch LP and will surely be a live favorite for a long time to come.
Lights - This is probably my favorite track on Divergent Spectrum as every time I hear this track live, it simply blows me away. Beautiful and passionate lead vocals from Ellie Goulding are backed by sparkling twinkles and a striking yet subtly powerful bassline. This track is a much needed slowdown from the onslaught of the first 4 tracks. Lights feels like a romp through a magical forest at night with a canopy of beautiful stars guiding your way.
Probably Cause - Ill Gates and Bassnectar churn out yet another atypical banger that sets the senses aflame with a meandering opening melody before dumping the listener into a vat of raunchiness that is the main drop. The granulated drums in the intro and the head shaking three stooges like one shot are some of my favorite elements in this song.
Red Step - This colaboration between Bassnectar and Jantsen begins with a slow build up that launches into a fun and bouncy 8-bit theme. The main drop is a half time cut with a methodic drum beat and an abrasive main synth which fans have come to expect from anything alluding to the dup-step genre. The fun blippy jungle/electro vibe of this track is a great change-up in the middle of this album.
The Matrix - This song seems to be a no-nonsense rundown of a typical Bassnectar live show. Quite simply the lyrics ring true "We drop bass in yo face". This track has the feel of "Basshead" off Bassnectar's acclaimed Timestretch LP.
Voodoo - A noodley high pitched synth driven by an 808 drum beat compels the listener to do their two-step from the first second this track starts. A quick build up launches listeners into wildstyle pandemonium. This is quite simply another bountiful banger with boo-koos of bounce.
Heads Up - This is a re-work of a track that has been reincarnated several times over the years. Frankly this is one of the things that keeps old fans coming back, if it ain't broke don't fix it. Bassnectar has regularly pointed out in interviews that he recycles a lot of old material which keeps a familiar link between old and new albums. This song will bring back memories of ragers past to old fans and serve as a quick history lesson to new fans.
Paging Stereophonic - A song that starts off innocently enough before assaulting the ear drums with a vibrating wall of sound. This track made me want to shake my head because it's straight nastiness. The beat-boxing breakdown in the middle is a nice touch that incorporates an old-school element in a new-school project.
Above and Beyond - This track has more emotion than any other on this album in my opinion. It starts off almost too "dub-steppy" for my taste but the orchestral breakdown is simply beautiful. It sounds like another cookie-cutter dubstep song at first but eventually shows you it's true colors as a thoughtful and well executed endeavor. After listening to this one a couple of times, I could not deny it's greatness.
Parade Into the Centuries - Yet another reincarnation of an old favorite off the Mesmerizing the Ultra album. This track signals the beginning of the downward slope that is the end of the Divergent Spectrum album. It is a welcome rest from the super intense bulk of this latest release. Parade Into the Centuries is a dreamy song that brought an image to my mind of riding atop a cloud floating over wide expanses of green earth.
After Thought - Bassnectar tucks his listeners into bed after a long exhausting sonic journey with this song. After Thought harkens back to Lorin's Trance roots with sweeping melodies that have a slightly atonal feel. Thumping drums further soothe the senses and put listeners in a zen mind state. Towards the end crunchy drums slowly fade in and replace the main beat to execute a soft landing sending fans home with alien bubble sweeps.
Overall Rating
✮✮✮✮✮
A wonderfully intense yet diverse album that is a great addition to the Bassnectar collection. Anyone who enjoys the heavier spectrum of electronic music will enjoy it.
