Buck Owens-I've Got a Tiger by the Tail

Time to break out your nudie suit, because here's some classic country coming at ya. Yeah, I get it, this shit is probably de rigueur with all those who dwell in some far off land where only country music is played. And while I live in West Virginia, this shit is still foreign to me. So, this isn't a tears in my beer album all throughout, but there's still plenty of sadness to relish. I don't know if anyone will give a shit about things like this, but it's either post something or try to figure out what the fuck I want to teach about Emerson for tomorrow. I'll go with Buck Owen.

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Guerre Froide-Archives

Okay, keep your hairshirt on tearsis. Here's more French misery to keep those tears coming. This again is treading similar ground with those Trop Tard tapes. It definitely has a Joy Divisionish post-punk vibe (The lead track is called "La Chanson d'Ian," so they're not hiding anything here). But it also has that lo-fi Young Marble Giants stripped down thing too. Mellow and yet creepy. I know kids have lately been excavating this whole French minimal synth scene in the last few years, but this is my choice for the one to get.

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Ellysgarden-Echoes

This is another French band that I know very little about. It's not as experimental or post-punkish like Trop Tard, but there's a strand of dark lyricism that runs through this as well. This is more jangley and dream popish. Moments have Smithsesque guitar playing. There's also an indebtedness to the whole shoegaze sound too. I wish I knew more about this, but I can only go by what I hear, since searches turn up little info. All I can say is that it merits a listen.

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CINdYTALK-Wappinschaw

This guy's (Gordon Sharp) been around for a while. You might be familiar with his vocal workouts with This Mortal Coil. The early 80s CINdYTALK had a more industrial/post-punk influenced sound. This mid 90s release see his sound expand even further. And it's a pretty hard album to describe without being lazy. But given the fact that I am lazy I guess I'll say that it reminds me a little of late period Talk Talk with some Big Star's 3rd album and a little Jesus & Mary Chain. It's spacious, haunting, mysterious and great for these arctic days.

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Randy Burns-Songs for an Uncertain Lady

More music to make you weep. Some of you might download this solely for the fact that this was released on ESP-Disk. This, however, isn't some interplanetary free jazz missive, so don't expect that. Burns, instead, strums up some folk misery. And while I think the album, as a whole, is pretty strong, I really just posted this because Maybelline is such a prefect bummer tune. Guaranteed to erase the smile from your face and turn that pulpy mass you call a heart to stone.

Update: Just in case you're the type of person who's not too interested in reading the few comments I get, Mr. Burns has let it be known that he can be found here. Well, at least in some digitized form. You're not going to actually find him by going to that site. Still, it's worth checking out.

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Chris Bozzone-Horizons of Death

I had the good fortune of keeping up a correspondence with Chris sometime back. He was a very charming and kind fellow, with a great knowledge of obscure films and records. And his good taste is evident on this amazing recording. Unlike many contemporaries who fake the folk, Chris's records could have easily been released on Harvest or any British psych/folk label in the early 70s. But he always sounds original and new. And that's no easy feat. I find this to be a big step forward from some of his less arranged early recordings (though I love those as well). There's horns and strings and ambient drones and other weird things. But the songs, while they can get pretty experimental, are never indulgent. There's several cameos by names that might matter to some of you, but really, that's just one more small reason to download this great disk. I can't recommend this enough.

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Dave Bixby-Ode to Quetzalcoatl

Don't expect anything cheerful. I'm not in the mood for that and it seems like most of the people who read this aren't either. Instead, time to embrace some sour power. I think the story of this record goes something as follows. Bixby gets pretty fucked up on drugs, checks into rehab, finds Jesus, then records this downer folk classic. The funny thing is, Bixby doesn't sound any happier for embracing God. I guess Jesus can fuck you up just as much as some horse. The songs are simply arranged with mostly just acoustic guitar and vocals. It would probably sit nicely on the shelf along side Perry Leopold and Maitreya Kali (I'll post both of these guys sometime). I hope this album doesn't convert anyone.

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Ex-Cocaine-Keep America Mellow

This is the sound I was looking for but could never find. Trying to dig up some contemporary musicians that can draw from there classic influences and yet not sound like a total rip off is a little hard when you're dealing with music of this sort. And when one of those influences is Tyrannosaurus Rex (I assume), it's really easy to be a complete thief (eyes on you Devandra). There's the hand percussion/guitar combo thing here, but these guys know what to do with it. It has a lo-fi charm and simplicity that allows for easy repeated listens. I think the intent laid out by the album title is definitely fulfilled.

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Träd, Gräs Och Stenar

Well, it seems that people downloaded the Harvester and International Harvester albums so there must be some interest in the whole Swedish psych scene. And it makes sense because there was so many bands centralized around that scene that totally rule. I think I mentioned in one of those posts that I saw these guys a few years back and they were still fantastic, but I thought I'd post their early stuff instead (though you should check out the new stuff too). Not really as folky like those other two bands previously mentioned (though the second half is heavy on the folk tones), this draws more from the Parson Sound heavy psych rock model. But more rocking and less trancey. Still great though. And I know seeing covers of "All Along the Watchtower" and "Satisfaction" might not look good on paper, but they some how work here. I just happen to like the originals more. This will clobber your head if your not careful.

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Patty Waters-Sings

Another great, smokey late night album from the legendary Esp-Disk. And This could be one of my favorites from a label that continuously put out challenging sounds. And while Waters is backed by Burton Greene and other Esp luminaries, this isn't a complete wig out, that is, until the second side. The first half of the album is some really hushed jazz croon, that threatens to disappear at any moment. It's really stripped down and really affecting. But most people want this for the second side, filled by the Ono-esque vocal maelstrom of "Black is the Color of my True Love's Hair." The whole things starts off in familiar territory, but it becomes apparent that Patty's pipes are the featured instrument on this freak out. Christ, her screams sound, at times, like Ornette's horn. Way ahead of it's time.

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Lee Hazlewood-Requiem for an Almost Lady

In the mood for some serious drinkin'? May I suggest uncorking this fine vintage. Hazlewood's smokey croon is the companion for those late nights with nothing to do. It's not going to cheer you up any, but its blend of country/pop/psych/orch is a soothing sound. Sure, it's bitter and can be pretty bleak at times, but it's also pretty. This dude was a true original and forward thinking motherfucker. Sure he gets some hype (Sonic Youth's praise) but he still deserves more.

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Komar & Melamid and Dave Soldier-The People's Choice Music

So, what I gather is that this whole project is some critique on the current state of the arts. The high brow concept devised by Komar & Malamid (artists who I am unfamiliar with) is apparently based on surveys asking people what they prefered and what they hated to listen to. So the most wanted song is some sappy romance junk that wouldn't sound out of context if you were sitting in the waiting room of a dentist office in the 80s. It's kind of like Anita Baker & Tom Waits did a duet and added all the cheese that made 80s pop music so terrible. I almost think this is a joke and that these guys just created this shit without all of the concept because I don't know why anyone would want to really listen to this. It's truly terrible. But then again, people are pretty dumb. Now, the most unwanted song, I can understand why people wouldn't want to listen to it. It's a 20 minute tuba, opera singer rapping about being a cowboy, kids singing about Christmas & Yom Kippur, bag pipe, accordian, rap nightmare. And it's long. But for some reason, I have a feeling some people might want to give this a listen. If you want to know more, I'm sure there's plenty written about this elsewhere.

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Takehisa Kosugi & Matsuo Ono-Astroboy foley

I'm doubting anyone actually went to see the remake of this classic. Why would you? Love being disappointed? Let me take your worries away; this has nothing to do with the film. Instead, this is a collection of the bleeps and blorps used on the old tv show. This might not sound like a fun listen to many and the 72 tracks might seem overwhelming, but it really works as a fun audio montage. But most people will probably be interested in this due to Kosugi's involvement. Though he has been covered by Sonic Youth, he really should be known for his awesome work with Taj Mahal Travellers (will post them sometime), Group Ongaku, and his own classic album Catch-Wave.

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Jpt Scare Band-Acid Acetate Excursion

I know this cover looks like shit, and you probably think I fucked it up. But, no no Nanette, it really does look like shit. And yet it perfectly mirrors the crud encrusted fuzzed as fuck sounds here. When people are digging for some super distorted acid psychedelia, I'm not sure why they're not pulling this one out. "King Rat" is just unbelievable snarling. The bass is just super fucked. The swirling pcp guitars make me think these dudes were not fan favorites in early 70s Kansas City. The other three tracks are great, but this is one is just a monster. And looking at their website, it seems that they have reunited in the past several years to record again. Good for them. Probably still better than all these kids currently trying to get wanky with a guitar.

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Stalk-Forrest Group-St Cecilia: The California Album

Who dare speaks ill of the might Blue Oyster Cult? Certainly, sir, you have never experienced the majestic Secret Treaties. If you're only familiar with Don't Fear the Reaper or Saturday Night Live sketches, then go check them out immediately. There's nothing wrong with the solid rock sounds they produced, so don't be ashamed. Fuck, Richard Meltzer, Patti Smith, and Sandy Perlman wrote for them, and they know a little bit about good music. Well, this is what they were before they found their sound. It's still good, but maybe not what you'd expect. It makes sense that this is subtitled the California album, as they pull out many classic west coast moves here. Not as hard rock, and more hippie-ish, but still a fun listen with lots of cultural references of the time.

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Van Der Graaf Generator-H to He Who am the Only One

I always feel like there's an under-representation of classic prog rock here. It's a shame since it's a genre that I listen to often. And while I've got a million obscuro one offs, I have to go with one of the genre's all time best. This is a band that people who despise prog can still get into. It's heavy, and dark, but there's much fragile beauty as well. I think so much of this is due to the fact that Peter Hammill is a super badass who wrote simply amazing songs. All of their work is great, so this post could have been any album of theirs. It just happens that it's the one I saw first, and "The Emperor in his War-Room," is a fucking classic song. Sneer if you want at the prog genre (though you'd be an idiot to do so), but don't miss this.

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The Pharaohs-Awakening

Probably my favorite spiritual jazz/soul/funk amalgamation from Chicago. Featuring future member of Earth, Wind and Fire, and former members of Phil Cohran's Artistic Heritage Ensemble, this record is an essential document on what was going on. There's a cover of Smokey Robinson that's serviceable, and unfortunately Damballa is not an Exuma cover, but still, this is a perfect part record. But, at the same time, this is equally a great sit around, relax, and feel better about yourself type of record. Uplifting, fun, funky. And some underrated guitar shredding at times only enhances the listening experience.

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Zero Kama-The Secret Eye of L.A.Y.L.A.H

Rumor has it that all the instruments played on this album were created out of human bones. And while this kinda sounds like bullshit, the music on this album does make that claim somewhat believable in that it actually sounds like flutes, percussion, and what not that could be made out of bones. But who knows? Who cares? I imagine this is what they listened to in the mask scene in Eyes Wide Shut. It has that creepo cult ritual thing going on. But, oddly enough, it's still pretty relaxing. Go figure.

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Zunou Keisatsu (Brain Police)

I can't claim to be hip to what it is these guys were protesting, but I know this was considered a pretty radical record at the time. I guess this dude on the cover was some bank robber, and the record was banned due to its anti-government sentiments. But this isn't some shitty protest folk or something that moms & dads enjoyed in their hippie days. This trio (bongos & 2 guitars) sounds pretty close to Tyrannosaurus Rex. Except Bolan's fey elfin tones are replaced by some japanese yelling. Punk folk I guess is what this really is. And there's a Les Rallizes Denudes for those keeping count. Julian Cope writes that they had six or so albums, but this & the Genya Concert are all I have, but I defer to his knowledge on this subject.

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Arthur Brown's Kingdom Come-Journey

I thought of saving this for some special commemorative post or something, but why be so greedy? This is one that everyone should heard, but far too many haven't. If you weren't to partial to the Crazy World of Arthur Brown, there's no need to worry (I think that album is overrated too). This is really unlike anything of the time, circa 1973. Listen to just the first song (Time Captives) and I'm sure you'll agree. Maybe the only thing like this going on around/prior to it's release would be the Silver Apples and some synthy Krauts, but I can't think of much else. Suicide & Hawkwind kind of get a at similar thing too. There's some fucked drum machine menace (used on every track), that makes it sound at least ten years ahead of it's time. Weirdo synths and vocal effects only make this more hallucinatory eerie. And, of course, Brown provides some really unhinged singing. Oh, I just love this one. Easily in my top ten of all time. I've seen this with an alternate cover, but this is how my lp looks and I prefer it anyways.

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Jan Dukes de Grey-Mice and Rats in the Loft

I think the easiest way to describe this would be to simply say that this sounds like Comus getting proggy. But that might undersell this behemoth. It's only 3 tracks, but they are 3 epic tracks. There's some dark Brit folk, flutes, acid riffage, and a lot of weirdness. It definitely makes sense that this was included on the NWW list. Normally, albums that try to cover so much ground fail, but somehow these freaks were able to pull it off. Their other album is good, but not as great as this. But few things are.

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Fuse

Fuck yeah, I like Cheap Trick. And growing up where I did, I could see them play some small local festival nearly every summer. And even though people would consider them past their prime, they continued to kiss ass live. And this album was before Cheap Trick got started. So I guess this is another addition in the before they were stars posts, as this band features Rick Nielsen and Tom Petersson (unfortunately, no Bun E.). I can't say I love this as much as Cheap Trick, but I enjoy it for what it is; some hard rock with psych gestures. The vocal histrionics and organ grinding can wear a little thin at times, but it's still a solid rock album worthy of a listen.

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Gravediggaz-Niggamortis (a.k.a. 6 Feet Deep)

Oh rap, what has become of you? All that auto tune and singing. What happened to the times when you were great? It all seems so long ago. Alas, while the current state of rap is pathetic, we'll always have classics like this to keep playing. This is probably best remembered as a spin off group for the RZA and Prince Paul, but it really was an entity all itself. People I guess call this horrorcore, but that's a term that just reminds me of some really terrible stuff. This has got to be the most metal rap album out there. Dark, creepy as fuck, violent, and fun. Let's remember rap the way it was.

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Kathy & Carol

The group name really sounds like some horrendous radio talk show that my mom would listen to. Thankfully it is so far away from that drivel. This is really a beautiful, plaintive folk album. Their intertwined vocals are so ethereal and otherworldly that this record seems almost inhuman. The autoharp and acoustic guitar are a nice addition, but it's the vocals only tracks that I could listen to for eternity. All these (new weird) folky fakers currently pedaling they're recycled junk should give this a close listen and see how it's really done.

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Randy Holden-Population II

I love Blue Cheer, but this album by one of their later guitar aces (he played on New! Improved!) destroys it all. This shit was super heavy for the time and sounds loud and lumbering to this day. I wonder how many stoner rock bands have heard this and then just decided to give up (as they should). This is unbeatable when it comes to heavy, heavy psych fuzz, proto metal, ear busting. And the first track is just about how much he loves hearing guitar. How awesome is that? If you love the guitar too, then this is a must listen.

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The Dwarves-Horror Stories

I know most people prefer the Dwarves' skag rock, but I like to look back to when this young Chicago band was just getting going (yes, they're from Chicago, not San Francisco). Definitely has the whole 60s garage rock thing going on, but it's slathered in a sheet of filth and violence. Even though the dreaded harmonica makes an appearance (one of the worst instruments ever) this solid romper is not hindered by it's obnoxious sounds. This sounds pretty different from what they're most known for, but it's great nonetheless. Take their advice and be a caveman.

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Alan Watts-This is It

I guess most people consider this the first psychedelic record. I'm no historian, so I can't speak with certainty on the issue, but it's 1962 release date makes me believe that those people are right. Weird heads like Amon Duul and Cro Magnon might have been listening to this (not sure if they could find copies though) when they we're coming at their caveman sounds. This this disc is as wild as either of those groups. While Watts is most well known for his poetry and Buddhist studies, I prefer to remember him for this out as fuck gem. For weirdos only.

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Richard Youngs-Sapphie

With an acoustic guitar and vocals, this mild mannered librarian conjures some really transcendant tones. I can't say that I can list to this all the time but when I'm in the mood for some dark broody stuff, this is a good one to listen to. And the dude's prolific as fuck. Solo, he's done some minimalist compositions, proggy rock, weirdo folk, noise, and basically everything else. And his work with Simon Wickham-Smith, Matthew Bowers, the A Band, and fucking everyone else that plays an instrument is also worth a listen. He even plays with Jandek. How can one man make so much sounds?

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Terry Reid-River

I think it would be impossible to call Terry Reid a careerist. He turned down the vocal duties in both a fledgling Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple so he could continue his solo work. How's that for some cred? Not only does he have a great white soul voice, the guy is equally adept at guitar. This album comes after his more modish, soul, rock earl period. Now, the sound is much more stoned. There's plenty of grooves and soul here, but when you get to the second side, things really take a mellow turn. And that's what really makes this album a real classic. I wonder how much the Black Crowes wish they could be this man. An all time favorite.

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Nintendo's Greatest Hits

Remember this kick ass eggplant figure from Kid Icarus? He rules. But if he has an eggplant head, why does he have an eggplant on a stick? If you're like me, you probably wasted too much time on Nintendo. And here's your chance to be nostalgic. Some kind soul compiled some of the best cuts of Nintendo music (unfortunately, I can't give due credit since I have no idea where I got this). This is really a great comp to play if you want to annoy someone. I mean, try to sit there and list to this end to end. It's near impossible to not remember all your failures and frustrations these damned games caused. But really, it's worth it for the super creepy Metroid music that is as dark as anything. If you haven't ever heard at least one of these songs, then you're probably to young to be reading this blog.

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Sandy Nassan-Just Guitar

This was one of those things I heard through a friend but was never able to track down. After years of looking I found it for a dollar. Then of course, I started to see it all the time (and I think they were all promo copies). And looking on line, I haven't seen this posted anywhere. And that's something that just needs to be corrected since this is one of the best guitar work outs I've ever heard. The first track is a 16 minute mind bender that blends the American primitivism of John Fahey, the jazz gypsy playing of Gabor Szabo, and the pan global explorations of Sandy Bull. The piece moves from meditative to freaked out and all places in between. Really, it's worth downloading for that one side long track alone. The rest is good too, but there was no way Sandy was going to top that cut. And this was put out by Herbie Mann's short lived Embryo imprint, showing that he was much cooler than how he looked on his Memphis Underground cover (remember Sonny Sharrock used to be in his band). Enough praise, just get the thing already. And sorry, but I didn't have time to label the tracks again (I know I hate that too).

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Warum Joe-Dans le Blizzard

I have a major cultural hard on for the French. It's something I really have no foundation for, but there's something about that nation that I fetishize. Especially their music. And here's one that doesn't seem to get much talk. Too bad. It's very similar to Metal Urbain. There's that same motorik drum machine & buzzy guitars. But Warum Joe add a little more experimental synth action that give this a spacier ambiance. Now pass that foie gras.

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Trop Tard-Photodrame

This was requested a while back after I posted Trop Tard's first (I think) tape. And who am I to deny a request. This one is from a few years after that one (again, I think). I really know so little about this band, aside from what I've previously mentioned. But I think they're great and I can see why some people want more. So here you go.

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Tampere S.S.-Sotaa E.P. + Kuollut & Kuopattu E.P.

Why not have some Finnish punk? And of that whole scene, this is probably my favorite (and there was a lot of good stuff back then). I recently read some where that they're back together. Not sure if it's true, and not sure it's a good idea. The youthful ineptitude seems like it would be unlikely to be captured again. But we'll always have these 2 e.p.s.

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Midnight-Slay the Spits 7"

This was one of those things purchased on a whim. I knew the Spits and their Devo-esque snot punk. And I believe this guy is from Clevo metallers Boulder. And the cover is pretty cool, though pretty fucking flimsy. So this was a real unexpected treat. It doesn't sound like the Spits, and it doesn't sound like Boulder. It's a great punk metal hybrid that really pretty fun. I can listen to "Black Kar" over and over again and never get tired of it. And I promise this isn't going to turn into a 7" only blog, up it's about all I can upload at the moment. I will get to the requests eventually.

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Velveeta Heartbreak "I Shot The Invisible Man" b/w "Secret Beach Boys Fans, Parts 1 & 2" 7"

I can't find a picture of this anywhere on the internet that isn't as small as my neighbor's brain, so unfortunately no cover art this time. But that doesn't really matter because it's really the tunes that are important. This is some infectiously catchy homemade power pop that could have come out anytime in the early 80s. But it didn't. I think you could probably hear some strains of Bob Pollard or maybe R. Stevie Moore. A catchy, fun little record.

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Aluk Todolo-7"

Haven't posted much since my internet connection is about as weak as my puny arms. But here's a chance to redeem myself. It's another French oddity. Though it has members of some pretty great blackened metal bands (Diamatregon, most notably), this is pretty far from that sound. This, instead a more kraut like space ritual. More Ash Ra Temple than Ash Pool. For your next galactic exploration. And I've seen other rips of this that have longer track times, so maybe I fucked up, but this sounds right to me.

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Les Discrets

Alright, enough of the vitriol. Here's something that is truly pretty. It's played by the frenchies in some of the more feted, pitchfork sponsored bands like Amesoeur, Alcest, and the like. But don't let your metal prejudices dissuade you here. This is not metal, although it might be played by metal dudes. This is a folk, post-rock (still hate the term), shoegazey, space exploration that is truly a perfect soundtrack to the sordid nights and snow covered drifts you continuously fall in. I'll go back to watching Juice here in a moment, but I figure I should at least post something pretty before the night is done. Hopefully, this works record dorks. If not, buy a dildo or something to replace your limp dick.

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Out With a Bang-I'm Against It 7", Love my Life 7", A Few Beers Left but out of Drugs 7"

Well, if you are one of those lucky fools that somehow duped some young filly into going out with you on this amorous night (and c'mon, I know only dudes have the time to waste on shit like this), then perchance you might need some late night tunes to lay your girl down. Might I suggest these wastoid Italian scum fucs. "Do What My Cock Says" is guaranteed to moisten (sorry Matt) the mood. And I'm sure that anybody reading this probably needs a little girly help. So I say go for it. Just don't blame me if she doesn't buy the super drunk as fuck punk bliss that these dumbos drum up. But who knows, it might work...maybe.

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Shoes This High

All the young lovers can go fuck themselves today. This is one for the sad old gits who plan on spending the eve with their cat and a pizza. But this isn't some downer things to get all teary about. Instead, this is another Kiwi classic that combines the pop you'd expect from something out of New Zealand with a fractured punk funk that might be more at home on the Ron Johnson label. There's also a bit of the British D.I.Y. sound going on too. But this is by no means derivative. Let this give your earholes a gentle rape tonight and it'll still love you in the morning. Just don't expect any breakfast.

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Lucky Sperms-Walking the Cow b/w Tomorrow Never Knows/Glass Onion

Really, I just wanted to get some Ray Pettibon artwork up here. And I think it's up there with some of his other great album covers. I'm guessing this was probably recorded around the time Ciccone Youth was as this is basically Sonic Youth with Mike Watt on bass. There's a Daniel Johnston cover and a double Beatles cover. I'm guessing you'll know what this will sound like

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Daddy's Curses

Whoda thunk that a guy trying to fix a piano could be so hilarious. And that's basically what this is. Recorded by his son, this poor sap goes from early stages of frustration, replete with the most mild explitives (Dang it all), to some full blown fury. Enjoy the sounds of this man's breakdown, you little sadist.

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The Normal-T.V.O.D/Warm Leatherette

Perhaps you've hear the Grace Jones cover of this classic piece of synthy goodness. I can't remember if this was the first release on Mute, as label founder Daniel Miller is The Normal, but if it isn't it has to be one of their earlier ones. Basically, this 7" is just Miller with some synths and a tape machine. And while he only issued this one release under this name, it still proved highly influential with the lonely kids with cheap keyboard. There's a million bands around now who are aping this pretty hard, but why spin that rehash when you can listen to this?

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Imperialist Pigs-Cork Screw Pork Sword EP

Pre-Poison Idea Pig Champion shreds on this early outing. Of course, it's not Poison Idea good, but so little is. But it's still interesting to hear Pig in his salad days when he didn't have to play sitting down. And this record was one of those screwy double grooves which made this an enormous pain in the ass to rip because you never know what track you're going to get when you drop the needle. Hopefully, at least one person will download it.

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Tiny Tim-God Bless

Not a novelty, so stop saying he is. Unfortunate that Tiny Tim is only talked about in terms of being a one hit wonder freak since he had more musical ability than probably any skinny tied ass who's sticking a icicle into his cock hole at the moment. The dude could sing over 1500 songs. And yet I've seen shows where the idiots struggle through 10. For sure, this is a weird one, but an oddly great one too. This man was a true repository of pre-rock knowledge that few could match.

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Kevin Coyne-Marjory Razorblade

For Matt, requested tonight (and I feel like I should give him something since his Colts lost). At this point, I suppose you're either a person who hasn't yet been exposed to this gentleman's brilliance, or your a naysaying cock. I really have a hard time justifying having a record collection and not owning this. Coyne's ability to capture the pain and disenchantment of those he saw while working in a mental institution is uncanny. Probably because he was as fucked as the patients he saw. Typically, I'd say fuck everyone, but his empathy is too contagious. And he's able to mix it up from Beefheartian sound poetry to plaintive ballads to grimey pub rock, while never forgetting that human element. It's a fucking head trip for sure, but I can't see why anyone wouldn't want to take this ride. A true classic that sings for those who have no voice.

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Trop Tard-Ils Etaient 9 dans l'Obscurite

Look, I know I'm missing some accent marks. French was one of my undergrad degrees. But I'm too lazy for that. But that doesn't mean that I don't wholly love this bleak Frenchie darkspace. It's such a great hybrid of Joy Divison isolation, Euro minimal synth, Francophone croon, and god knows what else. It's guaranteed to sour milk and probably your good mood. I've got another tape of these guys, but that's the extent of my knowledge. But if you're still in the mood for some black hearts bleeding into your ears, this will suffice. There's a great homemade quality that allows these guys to go beyond the standards of the time, where too often bullshit production and heavy synth interest ruined greatness. Don't be late.

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Kazuki Tomokawa-Dog (Inu)

As promised in a previous post. I'll admit, I wasn't hip enough to be into this guy until I saw his fucked performance in some Miike film (Izo maybe). But that was my loss. The "screaming philosopher" as apparently he's known has possibly the most possessed voice I've ever heard. Possibly the purest vocal expression of anguish and anger ever captured. But this isn't some metal or punk scream/screech fest. This is some fucked Japanese folk rock that really transcends all expectations if you're the type inclined to expect things of a genre. There's some duds here, but with a catalog as rich as this guy has, it's hard to pick the perfect album. And I personally prefer the realm he's been working in the last few years, but this is an early highlight worthy of some ear attention.

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Val Stöecklein-Grey Life

As leader of the psych pop outfit the Blue Things, Val made some classic cuts that garnered no attention. They changed up the sound and got weirder and better, but still no one gave a shit. Then there was this orchestrated suicide note. As beautiful as it was people still didn't give a shit. And it really did become his suicide note, as he later killed himself. Maybe this guy was onto something. If you're going to listen to this, you might want to hide the razors and pills. Funny, he looks a lot like Rick.

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