Feature: Top Five Reissues of 2010
1. R. Stevie Moore: Phonography [Sundazed]
It is extraordinarily rare to come across a record that encapsulates so many different moods and emotions, yet maintains a central focus. This comedically heartbreaking collection of songs was reissued by the well-respected Sundazed. “Goodbye Piano” recalls a failed relationship between man and musical instrument. The instrument itself literally cranks and pulls itself apart over the course of its nearly 3 minute duration. Beautiful and haunting! “I’ve Begun to Fall in Love” finds R. Stevie at his most thoughtful and contemplative moment. A gorgeous ballad that is lovingly played out through overdriven vocal effects, it serves as the undisputed highlight on Phonography. Mr. Moore would later craft many other memorable records, but this is the one that opened the floodgates. Do yourself a favor and drown your ears immediately!
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2. Matrix Metals: Flamingo Breeze [Olde English Spelling Bee]
Looooooops!!! When carefully orchestrated and pieced together, loops can continue as long as they like without feeling forced and tedious. Such is the case with Matrix Metals’ Flamingo Breeze LP. Originally released in 2009 as a cassette on Not Not Fun Records, Flamingo Breeze was just reissued on vinyl by the kind folks at Olde English Spelling Bee. Sam Mehran (aka Sam Meringue) is now becoming known in many circles for his Outer Limits Recordings project, but this was his first stroke of genius. Amidst warbled tape fuzz, these addicting sonic loops pulsate and slither through the listener’s subconscious. You simply should not miss out on this record!
P.S. While you’re at it, dig on Matrix Metals’ new collaboration with LA Vampires: So Unreal.
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3. Janko Nilovic: Rythmes Contem-porains [Vadim Music]
Library music of the 60’s and 70’s eras was often hastily produced and recorded due to the increasing demands of studio musicians. Janko Nilovic’s Rythmes Contemporains doesn’t appear to fall into this category. Every bit of melodic content is well-thought out and the percussive information is intricately placed. The wordless vocal choir found throughout the record adds focus to this complex masterpiece. The drumming on “Giant Locomotion” is staggering and meticulous! “Xenos Cosmos” is coupled with Nilovic’s trademark horn lines and classic French 70’s-era drum and bass grooves. The romantic string figures in “Mouvements Aquatiles” serves as the apex halfway through side two on this vinyl reissue. Vadim Music has been pioneering the French reissue movement as of late. You should not miss out on this limited pressing.
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4. Milton Nascimento & Lô Borges: Clube Da Esquina [4 Men With Beards]
One of the most consistent and solid double records ever created, 1972’s Clube Da Esquina found Milton Nascimento & Lô Borges at the peak of their combined powers. Lô Borges’ expertly crafted guitar passages are in full swing on the cuts “O Trem Azul” and “Paisagem Da Janela”, which are the two most immediate mega-hits. Milton Nascimento’s unmistakable presence is deeply felt on the quintessential piece “Clube Da Esquina No. 2”. The solo acoustic guitar line in unison with his voice brings chills. The legato, long-tone string arrangement on the cut blankets the organic atmosphere and creates the standout moment on the record. 4 Men With Beards have footed the bill for the vinyl reissue (which is 180 gram, btw).
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5. Stellar OM Source: Trilogy Select [Olde English Spelling Bee]
Trilogy Select is comprised of material from Stellar OM Source’s 2009 CDr releases (Crusader, Alliance, and Ocean Woman). The trilogy record functions and flows better than the individual releases, culminating in yet another fine OESB release. “Island Best” is complete with ocean wave samples and gorgeously soaring synth melodies, making it the undisputed standout track. Dan Lopatin (Oneohtrix Point Never, Games) guests on the cut, “Rites of Fusion”. The track is filtered through a low frequency pass and gently pulsates to the finish line. “Time Sensitive” feels influenced by Eno’s Ambient 4: On Land LP, with an almost organic synth bleep taking place throughout. Make no mistake though, Christelle Gualdi is crafting sonic art of the highest class. Olde English Spelling Bee delivers another winner!
Phases in Sound | Fall 2010 Mix
Download Phases in Sound | Fall 2010 Mix (174 MB, 320 kbps)
1. Laurent Petitgirard: “Ballade Pour Cathy” (from Pop Instrumental De France)
2. Jean-Benoît Dunckel: “Total Love Warrior Song” (from Cyprien Original Soundtrack)
3. The Samps: “Where You From” (from The Samps 12″)
4. Cecil Leuter: “Pop Electronique No. 2” (from Pop Electronique)
5. Giorgio Moroder: “Utopia – Me Giorgio” (from From Here to Eternity)
6. Herbie Hancock: “I Thought It Was You” (from I Thought It Was You)
7. Outer Limits Recordings: “Julie” (from Julie)
8. LA Vampires featuring Matrix Metals: “So Unreal” (from So Unreal)
9. Daft Punk: “TRON Legacy (End Titles)” (from TRON Legacy Soundtrack)
10. Brian Eno: “Invisible” (from Small Craft on a Milk Sea)
11. Games: “Shadows in Bloom” (from That We Can Play)
12. Autre Ne Veut: “OMG” (from Autre Ne Veut)
13. Grippers Nother Onesers: “Space Cake Hitchhiker” (from Live At Slimer Beach)
14. Demdike Stare: “Hashshashin Chant” (from Voices of Dust)
15. Ennio Morricone: “Le Casse [Générique]” (from Le Casse Soundtrack)
16. Beak>: “Wulfstan” (from Wulfstan 12″)
17. Dylan Ettinger: “Shandor’s Dream” (from New Age Outlaws)
18. AGT: “Soul Scanner (Nostalgia)”
19. Aphex Twin: “Avril 14th” (from Drukqs)
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The Misadventures of Sean Moore 