up in the air

Sorry about yesterday's non-post-- I got up at 5 in the morning and only got into my final destination (PHILLY!) around 10 pm, so I was a bit wiped out. Nonetheless, I spent two flights listening to Stars of the Lid and SF's Bvdub, whose Return to Tonglu CDR is among my favorite releases of the year. As the plane was passing over the Colorado Rockies, "Always on the Outside" came on my iPod, and its soothing synth tones that stretch for immaculate distances made the mountains below that much more beautiful. Against this ambient backdrop, punchy kicks and crisp hi-hats come in, along with wild vocal samples recalling organic, ethnic throatings and whispered dialects. It was a truly wonderful moment-- almost as good as listening to Rhythm & Sound's The Versions at the same point in an earlier trip-- that made the whole breathing-recirculated-air thing worth it.

Bvdub- Always on the Outside

Tomorrow, some new old.

interbellum

Today, a departure from beats for a bit of relaxation, a bit of organic warmth. A few weeks ago, after I had posted a track by Stars of the Lid, a former co-owner of Kranky Records contacted me about his new label (Flingco Sound System) and its newest release, by one Brendan Burke who goes under the name of Interbellum. The record, Over All of Spain the Sky is Clear, is punctuated by gorgeous string/piano harmonies, a halting sense of melancholy, and a dreaminess that can only come from long sustains on a cello. Samples gurgle slightly in the background, as if a conversation below the oft-unusual harmonies and open musical forms that Burke conjures. Quite a lovely record that sits nicely with Stars of the Lid and other 'slow' experimental forms, Interbellum's effort comes out on December 8, and is a highly-recommended slice of music for the coming winter months.

Indeed, it is simply recommended no matter the season; I especially can't get enough of the track below-- the swells are palpable, the tones so 'pure' that the listener finds it impossible not to close the eyes and drift with Burke's music-craft.

Interbellum- Moitessier Turns Back

To all of you celebrating, have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Tomorrow, a Black Friday treat from the boys of Teengirl Fantasy. Screw shopping, let's have a dance party!

a day rain

Should have two fresh tracks up by the end of today, but before that, I wanted to make public my newfound love affair with Stars of the Lid. I can never thank my friend Eric enough for giving me all of this beautiful music, which has been keeping me calm in the mornings and while writing abstract haiku. (Seriously). So bliss out to this, and get ready for some deep house and downtempo later today.

Stars of the Lid- The Daughters of Quiet Minds

Aaaaaahhhh.