The Overcoat

And here’s one more good thing that has happened in this relatively short year. I’ve been waiting for its release since I first heard the demos. And now it’s finally here. So miserablists get ready because these guys provide a rather harrowing soundscape for the wistful and disenchanted. The ability to take a song like Wooly Bully (hate it) and transmorph it into something so bleak and desolate and frightening is a testament to their abilities. Bonus points for the deployment of the baritone guitar too. Since this is just released I’m not going to use the traditional mediafire method of uploading and instead I’ve provided a link to their bandcamp page. Those willing to donate to these charming young men will receive a warm thanks from me and will be placed in a raffle to win signed nude photos of the sexy Wilmoth twins.

Here

Melvin Jackson-Funky Skull

Oddly enough, I have finally received the first piece of good news in about two to three years. I have a new job and get to move away over the summer. And remember when I mentioned a career change? I actually will be doing that. So no longer will I teach English at a university, but I’ll be teaching French at an inner city high school in Kansas City. So that’s a bit of a change, but one that I think I need to do. Universities can really become a drag and especially when you’re living in a place that you don’t want to be. So I’m excited. Any suggestions about anything related to Kansas City would be more than welcome (music venues, restaurants, book/record shops, etc). I really don’t know the town. And if you happen to live their and want to get a beer, watch Peep Show, sleep with me, etc. then send me an e-mail. On this rare positive note, I should probably post something a bit more uplifting. And Funky Skull is just that. Friends have been asking me for more soul albums and now I can say that I try not to let my friends down. Hope you people like it.

Here

Rudimentary Peni-Cacophony

At this point I’ve already posted tons of R.P. (just type it into the search engine at the top if you slept on those). And after two fairly long write ups, the fingers can use some resting, because I obviously don’t spend much time on these things and it’s more of a stream of consciousness type of exercise (hence the million typos (you think I’d actually spend time editing this?)). So yeah, here’s one more for you. I’m always surprised to see how many people actually download these albums. Not because I think they’re lousy (I obviously don’t) but I figured that if you’re already into this band you probably have all of their disks already. Well, one more.

Here (Reuped 6/7/12)

Traffic-John Barleycorn Must Die

Since I’m talking about embarrassing moments, did I ever tell you about the time I twisted my ankle because I thought I was just about to step on a dead bird (filthy) and tried to maneuver out of the way? Turns out it was just a leaf, but my phobia of deceased avian got the better of me. But with all of this airing of things I should probably keep private, I hope at least a few of you can have a laugh at my expense. Here’s an album that I think some people might be a little ashamed to cop to enjoying, but not me. I think it’s an absolute classic. Sure Winwood went on to commit some serious musical crimes, but this is him in top form. Folk, psych, soul all blend together in creative and unexpected ways. If you thought this band sucks then believe me they can never suck as bad as you.

Here

Paul Horn-Inside

Things have been pretty weird around here. By weird I mean lousy. But did you really expect anything different from me. Rather than write out all the stupid events I’ll just post what I sent my ex (we weren’t actually married but being together for almost 9 years is pretty much like a marriage anyways). So this is what I told her: “for a laff, here's how my day went. I awoke to the hicks above me screaming. I went to bed at four, woke up at seven. No one did their work in either of my classes. They had to write a sentence. They couldn't even do that. Then I walked into a staircase full of pepper spray. I couldn't figure out the recognizable smell at first, then my throat closed up. Then, went on a date with a Vietnamese girl I met. Six hours into the date she tells me about her 4 year long relationship with some guy living in Germany that she has only seen 4 times. So I walked down to the bar to get drunk. I got soaked from the rain. I'll probably catch a cold soon. I feel like an epic failure. My friends laugh at how ridiculous my life has become.” This is really isn’t that unusual than any day in the past two years. So in my crummy mood I turn to this album. I know the creepy close up is enough to scare off the most violent perpetrator but it really is a super soothing album. Bliss for the ears if you will. Recorded inside (hence the title) the Taj Mahal, Horn predicts the dreaded new age genre but far before it became overrun by dads and later reclaimed by ironic hipsters. And the story of the Taj Mahal is heartbreaking but always makes me feel a little human.

Here

13th Floor Elevators-Easter Everywhere

I figure I'd jump out ahead on all the people planning on posting this actually on Easter. I have no idea when that is, nor do I care, but I know it's some time around now. And since it is Alex's favorite holiday (weirdo) I might as well give him something other than that chocolate egg I plan on laying in his shoe while he’s asleep. I expect zero downloads from this one folks as I am sure everyone and their Charlie Brown looking uncle has it already. But what the hell? And sweet baby godzuki don't let it be known if you don't already have this. Terribly embarrassing really. Here

Stenblomma-Alla Träd Har Samma Rot

I’ve received some comments on the recent Älgarnas Trädgård post and that being the case, I assume several of you out there dig the heady cosmic sounds the Swedes were bring. For my money, that might have be the most fertile grounds for serious psych cultivation. I’ve posted like ten or so albums from that geo-temporal intersect and I can say that they are all amazing. This one ranks so very high in such an impressive cannon. While it might not be as recognized as things like Träd Gräs och Stenar or Parson Sound it definitely can hold it’s own against them. Released on the ever excellent Silence label, whom I’ve found to be extremely nice people. Here

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

Karl Blake-The Prehensile Tales (solo archives 1977-1981)

A commenter recently inquired as to whether I enjoyed the work of Karl Blake. To which I first thought “fuck yes I do,” and secondly “why haven’t I posted anything involving this insanely talented and prolific man?” So here is some, if only to set my worried soul at ease. Naturally, I could have posted some Lemon Kittens (I will most likely do that at some point), Shock Headed Peters are a definite listen too. The Underneath, the millions of other projects all want inclusion. But I think I’ll go with the solo works instead. If you’re a fan of any of the bands previously mentioned then this is required listening material. Now go get yourself a sundae. Extra nuts for you toughguy. Here

Gil Melle-The Andromeda Strain OST

Bloody hell. I'm killing time in my office and this fucking computer is so unbelievable slow that it took me nearly a half hour to be able to set up this post. But now that we're all past that, I might as well get to the music. You'll first note the weird shape of this album jacket, which unfolds (like a lotus blossom) to reveal an even weirder shaped record (is it hexagonal?). While it might seem a bit gimmicky, it actually is the perfect encapsulation of the out there electronic brew that Melle has concocted. Typically, the Crichton association is instant rejection, but even his dirty fingers can’t soil this soundtrack masterpiece. Here

Trees Community-The Christ Tree Live

First, the obligatory disclaimer and/or warning: this is another one of those “I love God,” weirdo, psych collectives. Believe me, it scares me too. But then I listen to this and I can just ignore all of that stuff. I’ve posted things like this in the past, so it seem s like many of you are able to do that as well. Or maybe you’re just obsessed with Jesus. And that’s fine by me so long as you don’t ask me to join your church (do not fucking e-mail about this please). .This was originally included on a real nice box set I picked up a few years ago. That must be long gone but I think their sole album is still available, so you might want to pick that up if you’re in more need of exotic, higher key, Jesus praising, cult, psych insanity. Look at the picture and you'll know what this sounds like.

Here