Half String – Maps for Sleep (Captured Tracks)
Early American shoegaze from 1991. I didn’t immediately love it but soon its charms took hold and were hard to shake. Highlights: “Arc-Fold” and “Sun Less Sea.” Liner notes by the Big Takeover’s Jack Rabid!
Diiv – Oshin (Captured Tracks)
Wow. Aside from the great cover art, the atmospheric and guitar-driven sound melds melody with an undercurrent of repetition (meant in the best way) and ethereal vocals. Part shoegaze, part Cure/Echo and the Bunnymen, part post-punk, part motorik, Diiv is a full on pleasure.
Wild Nothing – Nocturne (Captured Tracks)
Jack Tatum endures no sophomore slump though his debut, “Gemini,” may be a tad better. “Nocturne” shows off a bigger budget and Tatum clearly knows what he’s doing. The guy is great and will likely be churning our quality albums in a decade. But the glossier sound doesn’t mask my impression that the tunes, especially in the second half, aren’t as strong on balance as that found on the more low-fi “Gemini.” “Gemini” was admittedly a great record and deservedly hyped so the bar was set high for Tatum.
Violens – True (Slumberland)
I bought this on the the advice of For Against’s Jeff Runnings, who aside from being an astonishingly talented musician, has incredibly good taste. Once I read him raving about this record, I had to check it out. The first half, in particular, is incredibly well done dream pop, though with a clean sound. At times it reminds of the Smith’s Johnny Marr. So well done and engaging.
Can – Tago Mago (Mute)
I am a late convert. Though I knew full well of their influence on so many artists, only recently did I become a believer (note: the Monkees are underrated despite what some might tell you). This is purely non-commercial. The music oozes genuineness and integrity. Some of he high points are mini revelations.
The Byrds – Fifth Dimension (Columbia)
I am rediscovering the Byrds and concluding that they definitely deserved all their acclaim. “Eight Miles High” is a song for the ages.
Ride – Nowhere (Reprise)
Shoegaze heaven, though with an aggressive, driving bent. Deserves its reputation as one of the genre’s best alongside MBV’s “Loveless” and “Ferment” by the great Catherine Wheel.
Can – Ege Bamyasi (Mute)
Though not as powerful as Tago Mago, Can never bores. This album is experimental but more focused and streamlined than Tago Mago. You also have to love the cover art, which shows a can of okra.
King Crimson – In the Court of the King Crimson (Discipline Us)
This album makes prog/psych history for the title track alone. Though I am not the biggest KK fan, you have to admire their innovative playing and musical chops.
John Coltrane – My Favorite Things: Coltrane at Newport (Impulse)
Coltrane’s playing defies logic at times, pursuing unpredictable routes that point to a cerebral thrust but the seeming randomness hues to a beautiful and sublime inner logic. Recommended!
