Cozmic Corridors

Pure synth-esthesia for those looking for some analog bliss. Everything I see on line tells me that this is something German from the 70s, but there's a weird part of me that seems to remember this being some fake out that was part of a hoax concocted by one of the guys from Sundial. Am I wrong about that? Is this one of those fake lost classics, or is legit? I can remember. I don't care. Neither should you. this one spans the spectrum, moving from some enlightened cosmic clouds to some trenchant darkspaces. It's forward thinking sounds only reinforces my believe this fraudulent. If it be the case that I'm wrong about this one, then it only makes it all the more a success.

Here (reuped 7/19/12)

Tim Blake-Blake's New Jerusalem

Back to back Blake for you. This is another one of those Gong related records that are actually worth the listen (see my previous Dashiell Hedayat post for further evidence). While I know Gong has a list of anti-fans (won't use the term haters (too old for that)), don't forget that Blake also put in time in the almighty Hawkwind. And christ, look at the cover. If it was just his outfit alone, the spirit of fashion would compell you to listen to this. Add in the synth cavern that Blake dwells within and it's irresistible. Sometimes the option of living in some synth pod removed from the existence of others, relying just on the beautiful tones I create and rehydrated future foods (see Back to the Future II), just sounds so alluring. I hereby apply as a volunteer to live within such structure if someone is will to construct it. Here

Tangerine Dream-Electronic Meditation

Let's keep the mood mellow for the time being. It's either that or the shooting spree will begin. And I have to teach tomorrow, so I really don't have time for all the rampaging, and I don't want to break my students' hearts by canceling class. So this'll have to do. Really, all of their albums up to and including Phaedra should be owned (maybe Rubycon, Richochet, and Stratosfear too...maybe) but this one catches them when Schulz, Froese, and Schnitzler were still paling around. They've got a million albums or so by now, and I'll give some serious props if you're the type that can hang with some of their soundtracks, I'll stick with the early goods.

Here

Screamers-Demos 77-78

For cryin' bones (thanks grandpa for that phrase (I still have no idea what it means)), but I surely do love the Screamers. Their synth punk (no guitars) was so far ahead of their time, people are still trying to crack the recipe. Too bad it ain't gonna happen. This shit is really one of a kind. Okay, Never Gender & Beelzebub Youth are kind close and also super awesome, but I think the Screamers win the battle. It's hot as shit here today, and walking around I noticed some asshead wearing those weird Juggalo black pants, and full length duster, but no shirt. Not a good look, but it did provide hours of mirth for me, just like this album does.

Here

Jean Michel Jarre-Les Granges Brûlées OST

I haven't seen this film so I can't comment on that. And I have to admit, I was mighty skeptical when Aquarius described this as some proto-Radioheadish electro. I never really liked Jarre, and I certainly do not like Radiohead, but I thought I'd give this a chance. Glad I did since this really is a fantastic soundtrack. I guess it proves that so many biases are unfounded and only provide inessential restrictions. I guess that type of understanding only comes by being proven wrong too many times. But I don't think I'll be playing Radiohead anytime soon.

Here

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.

Here

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.

Here

Catholic Discipline-Babylon Underground

After watching Decline of the Western Civilization, I'm sure there were many others who tried to track down this band to find virtually nothing. It wasn't until many years later that this compilation surfaced and made my year. Fronted by Kickboy Face (Claude Bessy), mostly known as the editor of Slash Magazine, Catholic Discipline deserves the accolades so many of their L.A. peers unfairly receive. Songs like "Culture Sluts" (originally the tentative name of this blog), "Whip Them Lord," and nearly all the rest here have an unusually buzzy synth sound paired with Face's broken English stutter for a unique take on punk. There's even a Modern Lovers cover (though not a very good one, unfortunately).

Here