El Ten Eleven – El Ten Eleven

by stan · January 17, 2020

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

instrumental melodic post rock – duo or trio playing simple music of tight compositions, sentimental and melodic

Moods

It's like an extended instrumental emo jam, an accessible entry into post-rock

Thoughts

enjoyable if you like that sound, reminds me of something else I can't quite put my finger on (know that's not helpful, it's the sentimental side of the sound). Accessible as a bridge record for those starting into post rock given the quick melodies and agile drumming. Guitar lines are almost robot like in their sequences, simple scales that give a familiar and immediate sound.

Is it the kind of record you need to hear before you die? Not at all but it's got some memorable tracks that would work well on mood playlists.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/El-Ten-Eleven-El-Ten-Eleven/release/720464

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_TV076UGUs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBTUAHGpQqE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFCRMonf7lI

Spotify

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El Ten Eleven – El Ten Eleven

Description: Album Review of El Ten Eleven – El Ten Eleven

Written by: stan
Rating: 3 out of 5

Catfish And The Bottlemen – The Ride

by stan · December 18, 2019

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

stomping heart on your sleeve pop rock

Moods

captures the excitement and energy of a 20 something's life in the moment

Thoughts

it's a solid record overall. Bit 'one note' as far as songwriting goes, general pop rock fare. Songs are high energy, rousing and stomping. Lyrically he sings in a highly personal manner with details of relatable memories about failed relationships, getting drunk, and general adulthood confusion.

Sound like a lot of albums? I'd say where this delivers is on the genuineness of those moments and that it sounds exactly like a good night out on the Lower East Side of Manhattan feels: an exciting energy powered only by the moment.

It's fun if you live that or, if you're like me, a bit removed relive those memories for a bit. I imagine this band would be fantastic live.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Catfish-And-The-Bottlemen-The-Ride/release/8580322

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mLD8FL28Nk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjo34xdVyuY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YRi8PCFqfU

Spotify

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Catfish And The Bottlemen – The Ride

Description: Album Review of Catfish And The Bottlemen – The Ride

Written by: stan
Rating: 3 out of 5

Bennie Maupin – The Jewel In The Lotus

by stan · December 17, 2019

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

Avant garde spiritual jazz

Moods

A spiritual album defined by interplay and pause

Thoughts

chilled out beautiful soulful jazz, hip, I guess you could call this spiritual jazz. I like the use of percussion and keys, it's almost just like traces of just random lines that dissolve into nothing. An avant garde tactic but here it's employed well. Flute is really difficult for me to get right but he nails it, stretching notes into texture.

Some of it gets too avant and free for my tastes like on Mappo and excursion, creates a stirring presence that in my opinion detracts from the spiritual that's on the title track and ensenada ( the latter being the real standout on the album).

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Bennie-Maupin-The-Jewel-In-The-Lotus/release/13642739

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U69QwzAhz4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG1LcUuxp5A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgwLP5jcjjs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW_t-kgs9pw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8A78fDGSj5w

Spotify

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Bennie Maupin – The Jewel In The Lotus

Description: Album Review of Bennie Maupin – The Jewel In The Lotus

Written by: stan
Rating: 3 out of 5

Laurel Halo – Dust

by stan · December 12, 2019

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

electro art pop

Moods

DIY hip electro lounge music

Thoughts

Sexy, layered electronic productions with real instrumentations (sax solo here or drum line there) that provide welcome accents. Halo can write, her voice isn't particularly strong but it's fine in these abstract streams of conscious; provides a bedroom intimacy. 'Moontalk' is a good example of when this all comes together well.

Uneven but more good than bad, an accessible introduction to her sound.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Laurel-Halo-Dust/release/10500770

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrjeMN_U1hw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y9AQfqnUvs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcZ-JK8EZlw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvkdCnK-aCE

Spotify

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Laurel Halo – Dust

Description: Album Review of Laurel Halo – Dust

Written by: stan
Rating: 3 out of 5

Out Hud – S.T.R.E.E.T. D.A.D.

by stan · October 30, 2019

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

spacey instrumental electro dance punk

Moods

Psychedelic dance music

Thoughts

Two of the members went onto major things with !!! And LCD Soundsystem. This LP has the jam band sound without the jamming. It's music made by a traditional rock quartet but as if their trying to sound like a spaced-out electro project with dub sounds and house goodness weaved in. There's a 'raw' element here that provides a nice character, feels very human. It's key as instrumentals acts like this can someone's feel a little too clinical or impersonal without the vocal touch.

I'd be really interested in seeing Out Hud live as there are so many jumping off points for jam noodling. As a studio thing it works and it's interesting hearing it so many years later as their sound has gone on to influence lots of other bands from the disco biscuits to pretty much the entire DFA roster.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Out-Hud-STREET-DAD/release/229420

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XJ_qx0CkRs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cRe_GduF_g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wImsKpTBuH8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFHWjR_D-bI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0zLOcRzQT4

Spotify

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Out Hud – S.T.R.E.E.T. D.A.D.

Description: Album Review of Out Hud – S.T.R.E.E.T. D.A.D.

Written by: stan
Rating: 3 out of 5

The Pattern Forms – Peel Away The Ivy

by stan · October 25, 2019

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

rich electro synth pop

Moods

A perfect Autumn record: breathy personal lyrics about sentimental subjects with lush instrumentation. An accessible entry into the wonderful @GhostBoxRecords

Thoughts

a straightforward and enjoyable record that accomplishes multiple things: scratches that synth pop itch, crafted and serious songs that aren't too weighty. It's a record about memory which I believe is the MO of ghost box, a subject of personal fascination and my favorite subject for art to explore.

While I like it, something holds it back from greatness. Too soft maybe? It's captures the comforting 'glow' of reflection but I prefer the jagged truth in my art.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/The-Pattern-Forms-Peel-Away-The-Ivy/release/9224044

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=marweWtJ3Pk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpfc45aWR_k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsejwPQpF7I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vafOQ7-x3gM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_8rUEGd0-Q

Spotify

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The Pattern Forms – Peel Away The Ivy

Description: Album Review of The Pattern Forms – Peel Away The Ivy

Written by: stan
Rating: 3 out of 5

Kornél Kovács – Stockholm Marathon

by stan · October 22, 2019

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

Hip glitchy dreamy electro with Rebecca and Fiona vocals

Moods

A dance record for dreaming about the dancefloor

Thoughts

Tight. There is a certain overall pleasantness here (maybe it's the key? Really prevalent). Glitchy. Super fresh. For the kids but not trendy, classy. Moves.

Just noticed Rebecca and Fiona are the vocals on a bunch of these tracks which I think is an awesome pairing. Their first record, think synth pop, is a guilty pleasure and it's nice to hear them on solid productions here. Hope they continue working on more fruitful projects.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Korn%C3%A9l-Kov%C3%A1cs-Stockholm-Marathon/release/13545372

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raVn_eF9aJQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iV62dIVm4o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebzYr8FOWvQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MxB6lSOyc0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcWZA-YWj_w

Spotify

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Kornél Kovács – Stockholm Marathon

Description: Album Review of Kornél Kovács – Stockholm Marathon

Written by: stan
Rating: 3 out of 5

Self Esteem – Compliments Please

by stan · October 18, 2019

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

pop with production that incorporates string elements and theatrical idea

Moods

It's like the glee club geeks got stylized by mtv

Thoughts

Initially I enjoyed some moments of this but it felt uneven. Great harmonies, acapella-group-like, which is technically impressive. Productions feature mostly sexy beats and lyrics that are genuine and heartfelt. It's pop in many flavors: full on Acapella, dramatic seriousness that soars like a Broadway solo, and danceable club ready tracks. She sings with such confidence that's hard to deny. Definitely a natural talent as melody is offered at every turn with a well-thought out vision at play. This is not an amateur effort and clearly a project of someone who has experience as a songwriter (she was previously a member of the group slow club).

I'm gonna give this album credit for sticking with me throughout 2019 and improving on relistens. That aspect alone suggests there is something worthwhile for alt-pop fans to checkout.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Self-Esteem-Compliments-Please/release/13311628

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w-FzH0008c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF5GSshWU3w

Spotify

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Self Esteem – Compliments Please

Description: Album Review of Self Esteem – Compliments Please

Written by: stan
Rating: 3 out of 5

Roman Flügel – Fatty Folders

by stan · October 16, 2019

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

cerebral minimal electro

Moods

Memorable melodic minimal electro, a refreshing listen

Thoughts

Nice first-half, on par with any good minimal cerebral IDM (four tet, etc). The improviser is an interesting piece in the practice of tension building song writing. Otherwise a pleasant listen overall that tapers off toward the end.

Peggy Gou cites this as a record that inspired her to seriously start producing music. As this was released in 2011, it's interesting to learn about the recent records that are proving to be influential on the younger generation. It doesn't sound that experimental to me but it feels like a very honest reference.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Roman-Fl%C3%BCgel-Fatty-Folders/release/4558753

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwJEYND3Vwo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB0iD4ZFmF8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3Kr-NYB2MU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHf3wa55fuk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsTTI-NI4iI

Spotify

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Roman Flügel – Fatty Folders

Description: Album Review of Roman Flügel – Fatty Folders

Written by: stan
Rating: 3 out of 5

Yusef Lateef – The Blue Yusef Lateef

by stan · October 9, 2019

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

Hip bluesy jazz with some eastern experimental mixed in

Moods

East meets west on this hip bluesy hard bop LP with moments of eastern experimental

Thoughts

The bluesy rocking tracks are great, thankfully this makes up most of the album. Unfortunately there are these eastern experimental interludes that disrupt the flow creating an uneven listen.

The Good

'Like it is' centers around a particularly effective 'sad' sax solo with a piano and intimate percussion.

'six miles next door' is swinging blues jazz.

'Othelia' is a swinging blues thing with a blazing sax solo, harmonica. As much a blues track as it is jazz. The swing borrows from a specific type of rock and roll of the era.

The bad

'Moon cup' is a let down after. Eastern in influence with cringey Cantonese singing that just doesn't work.

'Back home' continues the Eastern sound and I'm just not a fan.