December 2009 Downloads

Bad Thoughts

I spent a lot of time completing albums that I only before just sampled. The dearth of new releases really made Amie less than exciting this month, and while the 7digital sale was a boon for others, I waited too long before making significant purshases. Oh well, I still have a great haul.

December Downloads

Amie Street
Tarpits And Canyonlands by Bombadil
Cuckooland by Robert Wyatt
Shleep by Robert Wyatt
Ruth Is Stranger Than Richard by Robert Wyatt
Rock Bottom by Robert Wyatt
Bush Rock by 10 Ft. Ganja Plant
Face A Frowning World (An E.C. Ball Memorial Album) by E.C. Ball
Silence by Monolake

eMusic
Taraab by Mohammed Ilyas (from Zanzibar–a mixture of Middle Eastern, African and Tropical sounds)
Interoceans by I heart lung (thanks, kargatron)
Engaged Touches by Celer
Palace Ghosts and Drunken Hymns by Will Holshouser (eclectic mixture of Jazz, Folk and Cabaret)
Songs My Dad Loved (parts) by Ricky Skaggs (strong presentation of religious and sentimental songs in direct style)
Kora Melodies from the Republic of Gambia by Alhaj Bai Konte (live concert of some virtuoso music)
Introducing by Mamane Barka (master of a Nigeran harp)
L’esprit créole by Cedric Watson (so called-savior of Zydeco–-lives up to its billing)
Bibournoise by Genticorum (crips and energetic Quebecois tunes)
Russian Mind and Zones without People albums (contained of Rifts) by Oneohtrix Point Never
Atomic Symphony by Crimetime Orchestra with Sonny Simmons (Third movement is worth the price)
Last Man Standing by Sonny Simmons
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
The Champ by Spacelab (another Nikolaj Hess project, but centered on organ rather than piano, and rearranging many tunes on Global Motion Plus)
Global Motion Plus by Nikolaj Hess
Tapestries by Bill Dixon (I don’t feel this lived up to its billing–check out Atomic Symphony instead)
twentytwodollarfishlunch by Mark Zubek (my entry into the Jazz Label of the Month discussion–great revisioning of Rock around saxaphones)
Adjust by Gerald Cleaver (Jazz Label of the Month selection–monster drumming from Cleaver)
Lonely in the Shadows by Konntinent (thanks, brighternow)
Colorfield by Joe Morris (good, but unfocused work)
Music du Jour by Matt Flinner (awesome originals for mandolin)
One More for the Road by Adam Steffey (good album, but gets too much attention for Allison Krauss’ involvement)
In Absence of Truth by Isis
Urban Myths by Joel Harrison (probably my favorite Jazz album this year–new way of looking at Jazz fusion)
Plainville (parts) by Jeremy Udden (not as impressed as some listeners were)

Acoustic Disc and other sources
Dawg ‘90 by David Grisman
Bluegrass Reunion (S/T)
Tone Poems (I) by David Grisman and Tony Rice

7digital
Sonny Simmons, Live at the Knitting Factory (Simmons was my great discovery of the month, and I dl’ed two other albums by him–great resurrection of a free jazz player)
Belogenis, Downs, and Morris, The Flow
Pharoah Sanders, Deaf, Dumb and Blind
They Might be Giants, Here comes Science (I have a son)
James Brown, Startime
TV on the Radio, Dear Science

Lala (only individual tracks to complete above albums)

From Netlabels–selected and free
Various, 52 Weeks–Spring
Konntinent, All Lines Lead In
Robin Grey, Strangers with shoes

kargatron

Tapestries by Bill Dixon (I don’t feel this lived up to its billing–check out Atomic Symphony instead)

Interesting, I think it stands very well within his oeuvre - excellent, I'd say.

Bad Thoughts

Interesting, I think it stands very well within his oeuvre - excellent, I'd say.

On paper, I loved the album. But whenever I listen to it, I hear the generic orchestral music of the last fifty years, not great new Jazz. Moreover, the album didn't effectively use sparseness or slow tempo.

kargatron

BT, I'm curious do you say that being familiar with Dixon's other work over the years? I can't tell whether you think it fares poorly relative to his other stuff, or that perhaps you don't like his music much.

Bad Thoughts

Dixon's oeuvre is not deep. I have Exploding Star Orchestra and love it (the poetry reading seems trite). I've listened to Vade Mecum years ago; I intended to pick it up before album pricing came along. The former seems more energetic than the rest of his work, but I don't think that his trademarks (such as the thin orchestration or tempo) are themselves hindrances. They just don't work in this context.

kargatron

I would call Dixon's discography "deep but not dense" myself (as it extends over 4 decades), but that's besides the point. I'm familiar with almost everything he's recorded, and fwiw, I hear this as very consistent with his other work, more "small improvising ensemble writ large" than something characterized as "orchestral", particularly not "generic orchestral". I'm listening to this right now, and I guess we just hear this very differently. Anyway, I'm responding not to convince you of anything, but just to counter your anti-recommendation.

One of my favorite of Dixon's is his small group album of shorter pieces: Son of Sisyphus. I consider a small wonder of combining sparse composition and improv.

Bad Thoughts

I'm responding not to convince you of anything, but just to counter your anti-recommendation.

Fine by me ... it's still a good three stars in my book and doesn't live up to the hype.

cafreema

An absolute ton of new stuff this month due to the 7digital sale and Christmas gifts. Based on that I'm not providing links.

eMusic

Claus Peter Flor - SUK, J: Asrael (Malaysian Philharmonic, Flor): I wanted to support BIS and this came highly recommended here on the board. It deserved its recs that's for sure.
Delorean - Ayrton Senna (Bonus Track Edition) EP: My eMu Christmas gift got me this. I'm really starting to love this glo-fi stuff.
Gomez - A New Tide: An enjoyable, but uneven album. "Airstream Driver" is a top notch song, though.
King Khan and the Shrines - What Is?!: Exactly what I was hoping the album was, good dirty rock.
Mission of Burma - Signals, Calls and Marches: Been on my list for awhile, and nicely scratches my itch for slightly off kilter rock.
Sin Fang Bous - Advent in Ives Garden/Clangour and Flutes: Thanks to brittleblood for the rec. I will definitely be snagging their full length.
Wild Beasts - Limbo, Panto: I really love this band. Am seeing them next month and can't wait.

Amie Street

Lifter Puller - Half Dead and Dynamite: Obviously a lot of similarities with The Hold Steady, but they feel more raw.
Passion Pit - Manners: How did I not have this album sooner? Perfect synth pop songs.
Various Artists - Nigeria 70: Vol 1: Another album I can't believe I didn't have sooner. It just makes me happy.

Some other free albums I haven't been able to listen to yet.

7digital

M.I.A. - Arular: I messed up and got the edited version, but it's still fantastic.
M.I.A. - Kala: Worth it for "Paper Planes" alone.
Kanye West - Late Registration: I hate the player, but I truly do not hate the game.
Kanye West - Graduation: Getting these for $2 was just a fantastic Christmas present.
Mos Def - Black on Both Sides: Inexcusable that I didn't have this yet!
The Avalanches - Since I Left You: I've long loved "Frontier Psychiatrist" and while it is the best track on the album the rest is good too.
The Rumble Strips - Welcome to the Walk Alone: Purchased on the strength of "London" but the rest is a real let down. I wouldn't pay more than the $2 for it.
Ida Maria - Fortress 'Round My Heart: Just a fun album. "Stella" is a great tune.
Morrissey - Years of Refusal: What can I say about Moz?
Queens of the Stone Age - Songs for the Deaf: Good Rawk.
Michael Franti and Spearhead - All Rebel Rockers: Michael Franti is one of the coolest dudes alive.
Florence + the Machine - Lungs: This band is going to big in a couple years.

Amazon

Tegan & Sara - Sainthood: Their best yet in my opinion.
Big Star - #1 Record/Radio City: Got a free $5 album for buying the Tegan & Sara, can't beat this one!

CDs
Mason Jennings - Blood of Man: This is what singer/songwriter albums should sound like. "The Field" is the best anti war song in years.
Muse - The Resistance: If I were an MMA fighter I'd listen to this album before fights.
Brother Ali - Us: Another fantastic album from Rhymesayers. The best indie hip hop label there is.
The Flaming Lips - Embryonic: Everyone keeps saying this album is inaccessible, and it may be for some people, but it's perfect for me.
Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot: If you like music, you like this album.
Band of Horses - Everything All the Time: Gorgeously crafted.
Wolf Parade - Apologies to the Queen Mary: I've said it before, I'm behind on some things.
Various Artists - Yeti 8: I love the mix cds that come with the Yeti journal, such interesting stuff.

In a Cabin With - All freebies.

Erny Green - In a cabin with...: Nice and mellow.
Solden - When Night Falls: Moves near the top of "albums to listen to in order to chill out before bed."
Arthur Adam - In a Cabin With Arthur Adam: See Solden.
The Giants of Husavik - The Giants of Husavik: See Solden.
I got all the others that were free, but these are the standouts to me.

Obviously, I'm swimming in great new music.

Craig

Brighternow

Oooops ! I almost forgot....

Examples Of Twelves - The Way Things Are and The Way Things Were
- Thanks elwoodicious !
John Hollenbeck - Eternal Interlude
- Thanks Kargatron !
Disinterested - Behind Us (feat. Bill Frisell)
- Thanks Jonahpwll !
Celer - Breeze of Roses and In Escaping Lakes
Marcus Schmickler - Demos (for choir, chamber quintet and electronic music)
Gescom - Gescom EP
Keith Jarrett - The Survivors' Suite
Jello Biafra And The Guantanamo School Of Medicine - The Audacity Of Hype
David Lang - Pierced / Heroin / Cheating, Lying, Stealing / How to Pray / Wed (Real Quiet)
Xela - Heirs Of The Fire
Avet Terterian - Symphonies Nos. 7 & 8
Lindstrøm - Little Drummer Boy
The One Ensemble Orchestra - Other Thunders
Nestor Figueras, David Toop, Paul Burwell - Cholagogues
Fred Frith- Digital Wildlife
- Thanks Kargatron !
Captain Audio - Stinky Tunes - (track 5 and 6)
- Yes, I know its silly but I just had to.
Les Nouvelles Lectures Cosmopolites - The Cereal Killer
- Brilliant !
Ernst Reijseger - Requiem for a Dying Planet
- I can't remember who recommended this but thank you very much !

If I get the time I will return with my free stuff haul.

TimMason

Last haul - farewell to emu

Beats Antique - Contraption Vol1. Disco belly-dancing music
Bruce Brubaker - Hope Street Tunnel Blues
Don Cherry - Mu First Part/ Mu Second Part
EST - five tracks from Good Morning Susie (my very last downloads)
Klaus Schulze - Moondawn
Paul Dunmall and Roman Mintis - Exodus (two guys squeaking at each other)
Roman Mintis - Game Over
Roman Mintis - Violin (yes ... I really like this guy)
Sun Kil Moon - Ghosts
Sussan Deyhim - Possessed (Wow)
Thurston Moore - Trees Outside the Academy
Tim Hecker - Radio Amor

On Spotify, I've been listening to the Kronos Quartet, Kraftwerk, Daniel Johnton, Celest, Tom Russell, Pierre Bensusan, Adam Green, the Taksim Trio and Takagi Masakatsu, among others.

thomnottom

Probably one of my last "big hauls". Lot of good deals at Amazon, the big 7digital sale, and my second to last eMu refresh...

7digital
Elis Regina & Antonion Carlos Jobim - Elis & Tom
Stevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of Life
Karen O and the Kids - Where The Wild Things Are (this is such a freakin' amazing soundtrack)
Florence + The Machine - Lungs (really should play this more, excellent)
Pete Seeger - American Favorite Ballads, Vol. 1-5 (amazing deal, lots of great music)
Woody Guthrie - The Asch Recordings, Vol. 1-4 (see above)
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz
Antonio Carlos Jobim - Wave
Carla Bruni - Quelu'un m'a dit (her best)
Etta James - At Last!
PJ Harvey & John Parish - A Woman A Man Walked By (not as good as Dance Hall)
PJ Harvey - Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea
PJ Harvey - White Chalk
Sigur Ros - Takk...
Thin Lizzy - The Definitive Collection
Christian McBride - A Family Affair
Christian McBride - Sci-Fi
Diana Krall - Love Scenes (it's taking me awhile to digest all the jazz, but I'm so happy I grabbed these 2 Krall albums. beautiful)
Diana Krall - When I Look In Your Eyes
Lyle Lovett - Lyle Lovett (guess it's time to admit my man-crush here. Lyle is something special)
Lyle Lovett - Pontiac
Lyle Lovett - The Road to Ensenada
Neil Diamond - The Neil Diamond Collection (more for my wife than me)
The Rolling Stones - Exile on Main Street
The Rolling Stones - Sticky Fingers
Serge Gainsbourg - Monsieur Gainsbourg: The Originals (would have preferred a Bardot collection, but this'll do for now)
Stan Getz & Luiz Bonfa - Jazz Samba Encore!
Stan Getz - Big Band Bossa Nova
Stan Getz - Stan Getz in Stockholm (holy crap, I actually forgot about all the Getz)
Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures
Tom Waits - Bone Machine
The Who - The Who Sell Out
The Who - Who's Next
whew...

Amazon.com
M83 - Before The Dawn Heals Us (I do not understand how this guy escaped my attention for so long)
The Jesus and Mary Chain - Psychocandy
Elizabeth Mitchell - You Are My Sunshine (not just for kids)

AmieStreet.com
Audiosauce - Soul Fiesta
American Princes - Other People
Plantlife - Time Traveller (futuristically funky)
Tristeza - Fate Unfolds (more solid post-rock)
Angus & Julia Stone - And the Boys (single) (lucky to get this free, excellent single)
Examples of Twelves - The Way Things Are
Examples of Twelves - The Way Things Were (thanks to whoever rec'd these)
Pyramids with Nadja - Pyramids with Nadja
RJD2 - Magnificent City Insturmentals
Robert Wyatt - Rock Bottom
Robert Wyatt - Shleep
Bobby Previte & The New Bump - Set the Alarm for Monday
Bobby Previte & Bump - Just Add Water
Bobby Previte & Bump - Counterclockwise (that's the most jazz I ever got from Amie)

eMusic.com
Kammerflimmer Kollektief - Absencen (AMAZING!)
Gossip - Music for Men
DJ Spooky - The Secret Song (not sure how this great record slipped through the cracks or finally popped up on my radar)
Animal Collective - Fall Be Kind
All Tiny Creatures - Segni (another great rec from this board)
Delorean - Ayrton Senna
Dosh - Wolves and Wishes
Gui Boratto - Take My Breath Away (another great album from 2009 that totally slipped through the cracks)

thomnottom

@craig - Signals, Calls and Marches is pure genius. One of my favorite concert memories was seeing them play "All World Cowboy Romance" a few years ago in NYC joined by both Moby and Ira Kaplan. Freakin' unreal.

cafreema

Nice haul Thom! How's the RJD2?

I'm loving Signals, Calls and Marches, but unfortunately my wife doesn't care for it, so I have to try and listen to it when she isn't around.

How are you enjoying the Andrew Bird? I love that album.

Craig

selfrisinmojo

had a hard time finding 50 downloads in Dec.....hand picked my last 12 from Mark Sandman's "Sandbox".
as my tastes run, emu has lost a lot of its skew.
I have begun the weaning process by cutting down to the lite program. i know this matters not to anyone but putting it in print sturdies its legs for me.
there is a wealth of obscure 60s/70s underground sounds left to discover and if i start now i may get to them all before my edges dull.

thomnottom

The RJD2 is kind of all over the place. Lot of really good music, but I'm used to a bit more flow.

Noble Beast is just beautiful.