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10 2011 Releases That I’ve Been Loving
Richard Buckner – Our Blood (Merge)
Not countrified enough to be called alt-country, too edgy to be labeled folk-rock, and too earthy to be tagged as indie, this new release from Buckner defies easy categorization. And that’s what makes it great. Because the songs aren’t slaves to any specific genre, they must be judged by their own merit. And I assure you that the judgement will be positive. Our Blood isn’t out yet, but has been streaming in full over at NPR and it’s just fantastic. This is a live clip featuring the first two tracks, “Traitor” and “Escape”.
Matana Roberts – Coin Coin Chapter One (Constellation)
“Rise” is the first track off a brilliant new album from alto-saxophonist Matana Roberts. The album, titled Coin Coin Chapter One: Gens de Couleur Libres, is the first of an ambitious series of 12 that will “probe (her) African-American ancestral lineage.” This is the kind of avant-jazz album that I didn’t even know was still being made at this level of quality. The spoken word passages can be a bit grating, but still highly recommended.
Telebossa – s/t (Staubgold)
I don’t know much about this band, but they describe their music as an “exploration of samba, jazz, and chamber music.” That about nails it. This is wonderful music for a relaxing summer afternoon. One second, you’re sitting in your apartment and the next, you’re in Rio. The attached video is from a live show.
Kreng – Grimoire (Miasmah)
Another band that I know nothing about. This instrumental album is like the soundtrack to the creepiest movie that ever didn’t get made. It’s not background music, but the kind of emotional rollercoaster that rewards active listening. Put it on before you get into bed. Turn off all of the lights. And then try not to get wrapped up in the intense drama that unfolds.
Alvarius B. – Baroque Primitiva (Abduction)
Alvarius B. is the name that Alan Bishop, formerly of Sun City Girls performs by now. This album resists some of the lo-fi aesthetic and more experimental sounds of his earlier releases in favor of more straight forward compositions. I, for one, think that the results are a vast improvement. “The Well Known Stranger” is my favorite track.
The Men – Leave Home (Sacred Bones)
A noisy, Brooklyn postpunk band with obvious hardcore leanings, these guys aren’t reinventing the wheel. But they are making some really great noise, if you’re into this sort of thing.
Still Corners – “Cuckoo/Endless Summer” 7” (Sub Pop)
Not sure if the release of this single means that there’s a full-length on the way, but I sure hope so. If the songs on there are half as good as this one, it’ll be a winner.
Peaking Lights – 936 (Not Not Fun)
This album blends some of the best elements of dub, psychedelia, and the more experimental strain of early British postpunk and makes it something totally unique, and infinitely enjoyable.
Balam Acab – Wander/Wonder (Tri Angle)
Not even sure if this album has a release date yet, so I’ve really only heard this one song, “Oh, Why”. The sound is experimental, atmospheric, and electronic. I have heard it referred to as “witch house”, but I have absolutely no interest in learning what that means. I find it hard to believe that something that sounds this pretty could fall into a genre called “witch house” though.
The Vagrants – I Can’t Make A Friend 1965-1968 (Light In The Attic Records)
Though they never released a proper album, Long Island’s Vagrants did release six singles. This compilation catalogs all six of them in one place. This is your standard inspired-by-the-British-Invasion, Nuggets style garage rock. But I say that affectionately, as there isn’t a duff track in the bunch.
