Eskimo records are one of the best labels out there for releasing consistently quality compilations. This is no exception and one of the best of the year in fact. The Glimmers have managed to make a pretty eclectic selection of tracks work well together without being too retro or trendy in the process. Essential stuff.
"This is a unique record release series, much of it from the glorious explosion of soulful, sorrowful and joyful music cut between the repression of absolute monarchy and the cultural insanity of the Derg regime. The spoilt complaints of Western pop musicians pale into insignificance compared to the defiant human spirit contained in these recordings. Do yourself a favour and discover the Ethiopian R&B counterparts to James Brown, Elvis Presley and Jackie Wilson but also jazz composers, choral groups, folk minstrels and bluesmen with power and wildness of Bukka White or Son House, or contemplative piano music that might suggest Bill Evans or Maurice Ravel for a moment, but is really from a strange and wonderful place of its own." Elvis Costello
An essential compilation which again I recommend very highly. Eskimo Records, which this came out on, are also responsible for another of my favourite compilations this year which I will try to upload soon. If you like what you hear, please try and purchase the record or support the artist/label in some way.
Admittedly this album came out in late 2006 but I didn't discover it until the beginning of this year so thats why it's here. It's also such a great record it doesn't matter. It's basically Erlend Øye from Kings of Convenience fame along with his pals making stripped down rock/pop music without layering, editing or effects. The simple combination of drums, bass, guitar and Erlend's breezy, yet intimate voice create a sound that is both funky and melancholy. A truly original pop band making the simplest sounding dance songs in the most organic way, this is one of the best albums you will hear this year (if you haven't already heard it in 2006 that is).
Timeless, beautiful music probably best describes this album. Very hard to describe musically and as you have probably already guessed I'm not too great at describing LP's either. Think of a mixture of the best bits of Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd, Air, Talk Talk, Arthur Russell, Santana and Midlake and your getting kind of close. Best probably to just listen for yourselves. Drugged out balearic prog-rock maybe? An essential album.
Kathy Diamonds debut LP came out in April and is produced by the genius that is Maurice Fulton. It is an excellent modern day boogie/disco record that I can't recommend highly enough. The guy is one of the most talented producers around as well also being one of the best and most exciting DJ's I've ever had the pleasure of hearing. Kathy Diamonds voice is also captivating and perfectly suited to the production. I hope they decide to record a follow up.
I didn't give this LP much time on first listen and disregarded it as a bit boring. Like most albums to which I do this to though, it has slowly grown on me to now become one of my favourites of 2007. Little Dragon are four friends from Sweden who produce/play quirky, sparse and genre defying music based around Yukimi Nagano's (of Koop/Swell Session/Hird fame) eerie yet heartfelt tones. Jazzy electronic future soul sums up the tone of the LP well. Out on the ever excellent Peacefrog records, it comes highly recommended. They are also supposed to be great live.
This was an LP that completely took me by surprise and has become one that I have kept coming back to. I had no idea who Angil or the Hidden Tracks were beforehand but after a bit of online research I managed to find out a bit more. At the moment I think it's only released in France officially, on the 'We Are Unique' label but available to order online. The best way I can describe it is to imagine an inventive, experimental mixture of jazz, folk and classical influences. It reminds me very much of Robert Wyatt's music, especially Angil's voice and vocal style. A challenging, not instantly accessible LP but well worth it.
Yet again, I am too lazy to write a proper review except to say that this is my favourite jazz LP of the year and it will take something very special to beat it. This review puts into words, better than I could anyway, as to why it's so good. Another essential LP that I urge you to buy if you enjoy what you hear.
I'm not sure this LP was ever an official release or whether it will be for that matter. It was supposedly scheduled to come out on Troubleman Unlimited around now but I believe Chromatics have recently signed to the Italians Do It Better label and have/are releasing an LP entitled 'Night Drive' which I haven't heard except for one track. Whatever is happening about this LP, I can't recommend it highly enough. It's like a combination of after hours disco, krautrock, ethereal electronica and new wave. Essential stuff and one of the best of the year. If anyone does know if this is going to get an official release somewhere, I'd love to know.
Map of Africa are the duo of DJ Harvey and Thomas Bullock (Rub 'N' Tug, A.R.E Weapons). Released on the cult-like Whatever We Want Records it has been on constant rotation for me since it came out a few months ago. I've read the term 'Swamp Boogie' used to describe it which I quite like but yet again with a lot of stuff I've been feeling this year, it's really hard to classify into a specific genre as such. I really recommend you purchase it if you like it since it comes in a beautifully packaged limited gate fold sleeve and the cover design itself is also my personal favourite of the year so far.
