Brian Eno – Ambient 4: On Land (Astralwerks)
My favorite Eno album. This is gorgeous at the same time that it instills a sense of genuine dread and “otherness.” No other record evokes such a peculiar and contradictory reaction in me. The album contrasts reassuring and familiar sounds evocative of nature against hushed tones and drones of suspect origin to create a sense of impending disaster. But because we’re in one piece when the record ends we listen again.
Brian Eno – Thursday Afternoon (Astralwerks)
If you want pure ambience and calm without all that drama look here.
Nada Surf – Let Go (Barsuk)
I just picked this up after getting “The Weight is a Gift,” which I loved. This one didn’t immediately grab me the same way that “Weight” did but its charms have since convincingly won me over.
Death Cab for Cutie – Plans (Atlantic)
The band takes its sweet time in allowing its sweeping and highly felt songs to unfurl delicately and meticulously. Highly recommended.
Naked Raygun – Live: Jettison Tour at Maxwells in 1988 (?)
Wow! NR at full throttle (for what it’s worth I seem to see the word “throttle” everywhere nowadays….I’d be curious to see what a LexisNexis database search turns up). The band also delivers a number of fantastic covers by The Stranglers, Buzzcocks and Stiff Little Fingers. (Thanks Ed!)
Scott Walker – Boy Child: The Best of Scott Walker 1967-1970 (Universal)
It’s not often that a ‘Best of’ compilation nails an artist’s best work but that may be the case here. Though the word is bandied about all too much there is a bit of “genius” in “Montague Terrace (In Blue),” “Such a Small Love,” “Amorous Humphrey Plugg,” “Plastic Palace People” and “It’s Raining Today.” Walker’s baritone voice projects moving and often bizarre lyrics that are accompanied by orchestral and avant-garde flourishes. If you like this then consider getting his first four albums.
Scott Walker – Tilt (Drag City)
Scott Walker in 1995 sounds nothing like he did 25 years earlier except that the bizarre aspects of his music have sprinted to center stage. This album, like Eno’s “Ambient 4: On Land” is spooky, but this is much more so—and it’s plain jarring at times. However, this ultimately is a remarkable record because of its profound originality and uncompromising and precise vision. I am at a loss to know what to compare it to, which I consider a compliment. This truly is a love it or hate it album. If you have an open mind and are willing to be very patient it might be worth a shot. Elevator music this is not!
The Monkees – Head (Rhino)
Chico Hamilton – Juniflip (Joyous Shout!)
In celebration of his 85th birthday the great drummer just released four albums this month. This one features Love’s Arthur Lee singing “What’s Your Story Morning Glory?”
The Stranglers – Black & White (A&M)
When coffee isn’t enough to get going in the morning this album often does the trick. This is perhaps the “purest” Stranglers sound on any of their 15 studio albums. Every instrument’s personality is snap, crackling clear from J.J. Burnel’s deep and muscular bass playing to Dave Greenfield’s thrilling keyboard runs on the Hammond organ and Minimoog.
