October
Hadouk Song - Didier Malherbe · Loy Ehrlich
This is some of the sexiest classical music I’ve ever heard. A suggestive wink, a raised eyebrow, all while in your finest cocktail attire. All from one of the dudes in Gong, those French prog-weirdos. Sometimes you do age like wine.
Miracle Body - Scott Orr
Fresh off of last year’s excellent Low Chord album, Canadian ambient jazz monk Scott Orr is back with another meditation guide. Miracle Body is one of the most welcoming and open albums I’ve heard in a long time, finding the soft spot between ‘80s Sophisit-Pop, ambient lounge, and late night jazz.
Famous Lunch - Chris Acker
Dumbasses, gimmick peddlers, conmen coned by their own bosses dot Famous Lunch. Chris Acker isn’t depressed, he’s just disappointed. And his sighing country tunes, tasteful pedal steel and all, just need a nap.
Moon Ring - Joan Shelley
Hypothetically, Kentucky Queen of folk wisdom Joan Shelley will eventually release something that isn’t mindbogglingly beautiful. Today? Today is not that day.
Cool World - Chat Pile
When I interviewed Oklahoma sludge lords Chat Pile, lead guitarist Luther Manhole (what a name) mentioned his deep, abiding love for shoegaze acts like Cocteau twins and My Bloody Valentine. And that’s become an obvious touchstone for Chat Pile’s second album Cool World. Though not as vicious or heavy as their debut God’s Country, Chat Pile find a new range of horrid emotions, especially on album highlight “Masc,” which uses shuddering guitar to build unbearable tension.
GOT FOOD AT THE CRIB! - Pink Siifu
Well I’ve not no clue what to call this outside of the “Wild World of Pink Siifu.” The Alabama born polymath has quickly become one of my favorite people to follow, just to see where his mind may wander. In this case, GOT FOOD AT THE CRIB’!!!!(4) is a soulful ladle full of R&B, loungy rap, and smoky guitars. Siifu named his best album yet GUMBO! And that stew of many flavors all connected and perfected by the artistry of the cook is the same foundation here.
Iteration II - Rose Ceremony
Year of the scramz part 452. In all seriousness, I don’t remember a year where one subgenre has so dominated, and a huge portion of the Screamo take over comes from a wonderful mix of melodic excellence and sheer violence, and Rose Ceremony has both in spades.
Clasping Hands with the Moribund - Lifter
Goddamn it lads, we’re falling behind British folks bands. Bristol hollerers Lifter find a cozy nook between fellow chambernauts Tapir! with a strong rock back bone that makes these pastoral odes to depression groove.
Comma, Fullstop. - Ahmed, With Love
The description is madlibs: Irish rap with a strong Brazilian vibe from the swinging samba beats. But the payoff is simple pleasures, punchlines, and beat switches that’ll make your headspin.