R.I.P. Out Sounds

I've decided to shut this bad boy down; seems like I get a DMCA notice every few days now and a lot of the older posts have just simply vanished into thin air. Combine that fact with Rapidshare's overall crappiness and the decision to shut it all down becomes easier.

Plus, (and I hate to say it but it's true) Spotify has basically made blogs like these obsolete. Why fill up your own hard drive and have to buy bigger and bigger data storage devices to satiate our need as completists to own every single record ever made (which is impossible) when there's a really cheap service that does it all for you?

As a friend of mine recently said, (and he works in the industry as a producer/engineer, pretty well known but I'll keep him anonymous since he's a super rad guy) "this is how we make our living..." I don't want to get into a debate again about stealing/sharing, etc. but I had a hilarious e-mail battle last year with the merch guy from Stones Throw Records (that went on for like a week) and another e-mail from Justin Moyer of Antelope (now-defunct Dischord Records band) in which I returned asking a series of pointed questions that he never responded to. I have to admit it, but you guys are totally within your right when representing the label/artist/etc.'s view of music sharing (a term I'll continue to use; I would only call it stealing if I made money off of it) and since there's such a nebulous cloud around myself in terms of what I think is right and wrong, it's easier just to say "forget it".  

Basically, I'm over it.

I love all of you that have DL'ed, commented, read, etc. but I'm going to devote my time and minimum talent elsewhere on the interwebs.

Peace out.

Stars of the Lid - The Tired Sounds Of (2001)

Stars of the Lid are by far my favorite ambient group; if you ever wondered what to listen to while you read on the couch with a mug of chamomile tea, look no further than this record. Have you ever wondered what the noise between space stations and satellites sounds like? How about the sounds of mice tunneling under snow?

And if you want to fall asleep to their languorous, slow-churning, drony textures; please do...

...I think that's the whole point of this record.

Stars of the Lid - The Tired Sounds Of (2001; Kranky Records)

Links to Spotify

Sonic Youth - Goo (1990)

Dear Kim & Thurston,

Seriously guys, this is an October Fools' joke, right? I mean, c'mon, you guys- you're like indie rock royalty and stuff, you can't do this to us. At least stay together for the fans. 

And Mark Jacobs, too. I mean, next time he debuts a fashion line and you two aren't there front and center wearing shredded thrift store gear and looking super uninterested in everything, it's gonna be weird. 

But you're not breaking up the band, right? I hear it's still cool and all, like musically and stuff. I should've known something was up when you got the bro from Pavement to play bass so Kim could look cooler singing and playing her guitar (which was probably turned way down, thanks Lee). I can't believe this.

It was Thurston, right? Did you bang someone else, dude? It was one of these new indie rock goddess-types, like Zola Jesus or Alice Glass or that dude from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs*.

This kinda sucks guys.

Whatever, here's Goo.

Maybe I'll post a Sonic Youth record every day until you either get back together or the band breaks up.

* - Karen O is actually an alien.

Sonic Youth - Goo (1990; DGC Records)

Steve Roach - Structures From Silence (1984)

Pure ambient bliss; sound textures from deep space.

From the back of the album cover:

Suspension . . . Intimacy . . . Silence
Touch the essence of Structures from Silence.
Steve Roach's flowing melodic impressions and
sustained synthesizer chords breathe.
rest, and breathe again.
A subtle visionary album,
serene and haunting.
a timeless statement.

Steve Roach - Structures From Silence (1984; Fortuna Records)
Links to Spotify

Lavvi Ebbel - Guns and Crepe Flambee (2014)

Belgian New Wave- it sounds exactly like that. Belgian. And New Wave. It veers somewhat into "avant-garde pop" but remains entirely listenable, you can see how they maintained a sizable cult following in their homeland. 

Here's a retrospective of their entire career:

Lavvi Ebbel - Guns and Crepe Flambee 1977-2014 (Starman; 2014)

Freestyle Fellowship - To Whom It May Concern... (1991)

Aceyalone, Self Jupiter, P.E.A.C.E., J. Sumbi & Myka Nyne; the anti-gangsta rap from the West Coast- these guys were kinda like the De La Soul of the L.A. scene. When everyone else (N.W.A., Ice-T, et. al.) were rapping about gats and hoes, these five MCs were waxing poetic on the state of welfare, education, higher consciousness, yeah.

Even though it's 20 years old, it doesn't sound the least bit dated. Give it a spin...

Freestyle Fellowship - To Whom It May Concern... (1991; Sun Music)

Tabla Beat Science - Live in San Francisco at Stern Grove (2002)

One of my favorite releases of the last ten years, combines dub reggae bass lines (from Bill Laswell) with multiple tabla percussionists (Zakir Hussain, Talvin Singh and Trilok Gurtu), scratching and turntablism from DJ Disk, drums and programming from Karsh Kale and the master of the sarangi, Sultan Khan.

Traditional Hindustani music meets electronic in a live performance in SF's Stern Grove; be sure to check this out.

Tabla Beat Science - Live in San Francisco at Stern Grove (2002; Palm Pictures)

Bert Jansch - Bert Jansch (1965)

I was sad to hear of Bert's passing earlier this week, wish I could have seen him play. Another legend gone but not forgotten. Here's his 1974 album LA Turnaround I shared back in April of 2010, for those so inclined: http://out-sounds.blogspot.com/2010/04/bert-jansch-la-turnaround-1974.html

But here's the 1965 debut; his guitar playing is deft and nimble- I remember reading somewhere that Jimmy Page lifted Bron-Yr-Aur from one of Jansch's arrangements. He was also highly regarded by (as well as being an influence on) Nick Drake, Richard Thompson, Johnny Marr and Neil Young.

Bert was 67 years old.

Bert Jansch - Bert Jansch (1965, Transatlantic Records)

Return to Forever - Romantic Warrior (1976)

Chick Corea's Return to Forever project is one of the benchmarks of mid-70s Jazz Fusion, what it lacks in songwriting it more than makes up for in technical prowess- Al DiMeola's guitar runs sizzle, Stanley's Clarke's bass lines pop and Lenny White anchors it all with some funky drumming. 

Chick is Chick, what more can be said about the man? If you find this too dense and impenetrable, try Chick's earlier stuff and work your way up to it. 

This comes with a disclaimer: they veer heavily into psuedoclassical territory here and if you're a fan of both jazz and prog as well as later-day jam band noodling (a la Phish, et. al.) then this one does not disappoint. 
Return to Forever - Romantic Warrior (1976; Columbia Records)

Yellow Magic Orchestra - Solid State Survivor (1979)

For fans of Kraftwerk; except replace their serious, post-apocolyptic angular modalities with YMO's bubbly, cosmopolitan Tokyo cityscape video game world. 

It's neon and anime and fun.    
Yellow Magic Orchestra - Solid State Survivor (1979; Alfa Records)

Jan Jelinek - Loop-Finding-Jazz-Records (2001)

A landmark record in the genre of Glitch; Jelinek's "digging in the crates" ethos has led to this gem of an album- a minimal, abstract beautiful piece of music that plays well late at night after returning from a hectic night at the clubs. 

There's a soothing neutrality to the ambience here that wraps you in its soft caress and delivers you safe and warm 51 minutes and change later.
Jan Jelinek - Loop-Finding-Jazz-Records (2001; ~scape Records)

Lindstrøm - Where You Go I Go Too (2008)

If disco had a future it would sound like this. 

Best listened to on headphones far away from the world.
Lindstrøm - Where You Go I Go Too (2008; Smalltown Supersound)

Phil Upchurch - Darkness, Darkness (1972)

One of the most underrated soul jazz records of not only the 70s but of all-time; session man Phil Upchurch steps up to the front and cuts loose on this gem of a funky record- not only killing it with his own compositions but reworking some classics like Marvin Gaye's Inner City Blues, James Taylor's Fire and Rain and Carole King's You've Got a Friend. 

A perfect intersection of jazz, funk, rock, soul and blues.
Phil Upchurch - Darkness, Darkness (1972; Blue Thumb Records)
-link opens to a YouTube playlist-

Gavin Bryars, Philip Jeck & Alter Ego - The Sinking of the Titanic (2007)

This is the live recording of the Gavin Bryars' minimalist masterpiece from 1975, utilizing the help of sound collage artiste Philip Jeck and the Italian classical sextet Alter Ego. 

The story behind the record goes like this: the band on the Titanic played the as the ship sank to help calm the passengers and ease the transition to the lifeboats; all eight musicians went down with the ship. Bryars' piece is meant both as an homage to the heroism of the musicians as well as what it may have sounded like- they chose Amazing Grace and another hymn Autumn as well as interspersing actual sound clips from survivors.

Take a dive into this heartbreaking and haunting solemn work of sound art.
Gavin Bryars, Alter Ego & Philip Jeck - The Sinking of the Titanic (1969-) 2007; Touch

Pretty Girls Make Graves - The New Romance (2003)

Intense atmospheric emotional indie rock from Seattle just at the turn of the century. 

It's raw but clean sounding, ragged yet polished. 

Highlighting bass player Derek Fudesco from seminal garage punk act The Murder City Devils as well as Jason Clark on guitar from post-hardcore cult band Kill Sadie and featuring the amazing vocal stylings of one Andrea Zollo, this band burned too bright and ended way before their time. 
Pretty Girls Make Graves - The New Romance (2003; Matador Records)

Focus - Hamburger Concerto (1974)

Symphonic prog from the Netherlands; features excellent guitar work from Jan Akkerman- medieval renaissance and classical baroque styles mixed with rock and funk. 

Nods to Jethro Tull and Yes all over this record; it's more an homage than a rip-off. A necessary addition to any prog rock fan's library.  
Focus - Hamburger Concerto (1974; Atco Records)

The Impressions - The Young Mods' Forgotten Story (1969)

Curtis Mayfield before he was Curtis Mayfield; classic Chicago Soul from one of the iconic masters of the genre.

Spiritual and political while still romantic and sophisticated, check out the polished and lush production from another underrated gem from 1969.
The Impressions - The Young Mods' Forgotten Story (1969; Curtom Records)

Tricky - Maxinquaye (1995)

Twelve tracks collected to form one dark, brooding, sensual debut solo album. The sound of digital urban decay that was far ahead of its time. 

Best listened to on headphones very late at night, after everyone has gone to bed. 
Tricky - Maxinquaye (1995; 4th & Broadway Records)

Mississippi John Hurt - The Immortal (1967)

You planning on doing any chillin' on your front porch this summer? 

Then let this be the soundtrack to those lazy, hazy summer evenings. 

The undisputed King of Piedmont and Country blues, allow me to introduce Mississippi John Hurt to the uninitiated. Hailing from tiny Teoc, MS, right where the farmland meets the hill country, this man could be found finger pick and grin to his heart's content. 

Living in relative obscurity until his career was resurrected in the early 1960s at the ripe old age of 70, he was nearly forgotten- having released a handful of singles to regional acclaim in the late-1920s he was all but left to the dustbin of history.

Long live the immortal John Hurt.
Mississippi John Hurt - The Immortal (1967; Vanguard Records)

Wayne Smith - Sleng Teng (1986)

Prince Jammy and Wayne Smith pioneered something huge with this record- the "computer riddim" era officially launches and dancehall goes digital. 

The record got an overhaul with an alternate track listing (and slightly different name) in 2004. 

Hear this piece of synth reggae history- brought to you by the streets and clubs of Kingston and the Casio MT-40... 
Wayne Smith - Sleng Teng (1986; Greensleeves Records)

John Coltrane - Ascension (1966)

"John Coltrane began using LSD fairly regularly some time in 1965. Although it has been stated by some that he took it only when he recorded OM later that year, he actually took it far more often during the last few years of his life, according to a number of people, including a member of his quartet who would prefer, like others, not to be quoted directly on this subject." 

- Coltrane biographer Eric Nisenson

John Coltrane - Ascension (1966; Impulse! Records)

Marvin Gaye - Vulnerable (1997)

Locked away in the Motown vaults for more than 30 years, this archival release from 1997 is Marvin at his most vulnerable, hence the title. 

This is him at his best, crooning soulfully over heavily orchestrated big band arrangements with overdubs and a beautifully warm production aesthetic. 

There's a certain downtrodden and mournful tone to this record, and one of the things the man could do better than almost anyone is put that fear and despair or life and love to tune. 

Thank you, Marvin. 
Marvin Gaye - Vulnerable (1997; Motown Records)

Scientist - Scientist Rids the World of the Evil Curse of the Vampires - 1981

Born Hopeton Overton Brown in Kingston, Jamaica in 1960; the artist known as Scientist spent more time in his lab save for Lee Perry concocting some of the finest Dub Reggae this side of Jupiter. 

In a battle for the best dub release ever, it comes a close second up against The Upsetters' Super Ape.

Album is fire. 
Scientist - Scientist Rids the World of the Evil Curse of the Vampires (1981; Greensleeves Records)

Shuggie Otis - Inspiration Information (1974)

The definitive psychedelic soul record, Shuggie Otis' nine tracks shuck and jive along, resulting in a trippy and funky output for this esoteric legend.  

"He released an album with Al Kooper, played on Frank Zappa's Hot Rats, turned down a chance to work with Quincy Jones, was approached to replace Mick Taylor in the Rolling Stones, mentioned in the same breath as both Jimi Hendrix and Sly Stone as well as the blues greats and apparently inspired both Prince and Beck, but a bit like Terry Reid he chose to follow his own path which undeservedly led into relative obscurity." - oldrock, Rate Your Music
Shuggie Otis - Inspiration Information (1974; Epic Records)
Link also contains the album Wings of Love, re-released together in 2013

Various Artists - The Sound of Philadelphia: Gamble & Huff's Greatest Hits (2008)

That Philly Soul sound lives on forever in this amazing compilation featuring Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff's sparkling and crisp production aesthetic. 

I grew up on Gamble and Huff and these artists in particular; listening to WDAS 105.3 FM was the soul of Philly for my childhood and it instilled a deep appreciation for these tunes.

Give it a spin! 
Various Artists - The Sound of Philadelphia: Gamble & Huff's Greatest Hits (2008; Legacy Recordings)

Tracklisting

1	The O'Jays - Love Train		2:58
2	The O'Jays - Back Stabbers		3:06
3	Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - If You Don't Know Me By Now		3:26
4	Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - The Love I Lost		6:22
5	MFSB - T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia)		5:48
6	Billy Paul - Me and Mrs. Jones		4:46
7	The Three Degrees - When Will I See You Again		2:58
8	People's Choice - Do It Any Way You Wanna		3:15
9	The Intruders - I'll Always Love My Mama		6:37
10	The O'Jays - Use Ta Be My Girl		4:01
11	Lou Rawls - You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine		4:26
12	McFadden & Whitehead - Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now		7:01
13	Teddy Pendergrass - Close the Door		5:25
14	Patti LaBelle - If Only You Knew		4:45

Black Nasty - Talking to the People (1973)

Raw integrated funk. Just straight up FONK.

The kinda funk make you wanna smack yo mama for not raising you up on this kinda funk.

The kinda funk that make you wanna visit Detroit.

Cut the shit and drop the needle on this.
Black Nasty - Talking to the People (1973; Enterprise Records)

Sonny Sharrock - Ask the Ages (1991)

When I discovered this record I saw who played on it: Pharoah Sanders on sax, Elvin Jones on drums and Charnett Moffett on bass (son of Charles who played drums on several Ornette Coleman records in the 1960s). 

Then there's the inimitable Sonny Sharrock- his playing is fire. 

Sadly, he died a few years after this record so this stands as his final testament.
Sonny Sharrock - Ask the Ages (1991; Axiom Records)

Boogie Down Productions - By All Means Necessary (1988)

"People still takin' rappin' for a joke
A passing hope or a phase with a rope
Sometimes I choke and try to believe
When I get challenged by a million MCs
I try to tell them, "We're all in this together!"
My album was raw because no one would ever
Think like I think and do what I do
I stole the show, and then I leave without a clue
What do you think makes up a KRS?
Concisive teaching, or very clear speaking?"

- KRS-One, I'm Still #1 

Boogie Down Productions - By All Means Necessary (1988; Jive Records)

Eddie Hazel - Game, Dames and Guitar Thangs (1977)

Eddie left Funkadelic in 1971 but played on a few more Parliament records- Chocolate City would be the last studio record featuring his otherworldly axe slanging. He contributed some vocals to 1976 release The Clones of Dr. Funkenstein and is featured heavily on the Live P-Funk Earth Tour record from 1977 but this record marks his first foray into solo land.

George Clinton's production and songwriting help are all over this record, as well as utilizing a line up that's basically 1978 era P-Funk.

It's probably the only Parliament/Funkadelic-related release outside of their own oeuvre considered essential.
Eddie Hazel - Game, Dames and Guitar Thangs (1977; Warner Bros. Records)

Frank Zappa - Philly '76 (2009)

Never underestimate Frank's ability to squeeze the maximum amount of talent out of his musicians- this album, recorded in a transitional period off the heels of the Zoot Allures album stands as a testament to his workmanship and passion for his craft. 

Bringing in Bianca Odin for vocals and keyboards and a stripped down backing band (Ray White on guitar, Eddie Jobson on violin and keys, Patrick O'Hearn on bass and Terry Bozzio on drums) it's an interesting filler and most likely only truly appreciated by hardcore Zappa fans. 
Frank Zappa - Philly '76 (2009; Vaulternative Records)

Gastr Del Sol - The Serpentine Similar (1993)

Extremely experimental in scope; an avant-garde folk project that meets a glossier post-rock aesthetic head-on, a winding snake of guitar arpeggio noodling and piano scales run up and down your spine.
Gastr del Sol - The Serpentine Similar (1993; Teenbeat Records)

Gene Clark - No Other (1974)

SoCal folk legend Gene Clark, late of The New Christy Minstrels and The Byrds nails it here on one of the finest yet weirdly obscure country rock gems this side of Bakersfield. 
Gene Clark - No Other (1974; Asylum Records)

Ott - Blumenkraft (2003)

Ambient psychedelic dub. You might hear this in the chillout lounge.
Ott - Blumenkraft (2003; Twisted Records)

The Beta Band - The Three E.P.'s (1998)

Combining their first three EPs into a single compilation was a brilliant idea for these Scottish indie rockers dabbling in neo-psychedelia and electronica. 

One of the finer releases on either side of the pond of the late 90s.

The Beta Band - The Three E.P.'s (1998; Astralwerks Records)

Julian Cope - Krautrock Sampler (1995)

Here's a PDF version I found of Julian Cope's 1995 definitive tome on the genre of Krautrock in all its glory and splendor; mad props to whomever scanned and upped this in the first place. 

This thing is way out of print and copies are starting at $175.

Julian Cope - Krautrock Sampler (1995; Head Heritage)

Cocteau Twins - Treasure (1984)

It really doesn't get any prettier than this one- vocals from the one and only Liz Fraser (if you aren't familiar with her yet try out Massive Attack's Mezzanine, an album she sang on a number of songs- most notably the excellent Teardrop), with guitars/production from Robin Guthrie and bass by Simon Raymonde; the Cocteau Twins' brand of ethereal dream pop is replete with lilting beauty and lush melodies, plain and simple.

This might be the best example of "bad" mid-80's production values; cheesy-sounding Casio drums with washed out synths over delayed guitars and layered vocals- I realize that description makes this record sound awful but in fact it's ridiculously beautiful. A confluence of pop, ambient textures and sort of a proto-shoegazer thing going on here, it's an absolute "must listen".

Grab it now...

Cocteau Twins - Treasure (1984; 4AD Records)

Archie Shepp - Fire Music (1965)

Archie Shepp was one of the cats back in the early-60's doing that "new thing" and earned his stripes playing with Cecil Taylor's band. He would go on to play with the New York Contemporary Five alongside Don Cherry and ultimately catch the attention of some of the vanguards of the new school; most notably Ornette (Shepp would play a Coleman composition on his first "solo" record, credited alongside the Bill Dixon Quartet) and Coltrane (playing on the Love Supreme sessions but not making the final cut- he would appear on the 2002 out-takes of that record), playing on John's Ascension album as well as a split with the 'Trane titled New Thing at Newport from 1965.

Shepp's finest moment would be this record, Fire Music; cut at a time when his political consciousness and burgeoning Afrocentricity was reaching a fever pitch- Archie would include an homage to Malcolm X as well as a Duke Ellington standard and the premier bossa nova song of all-time (The Girl from Ipanema). Considered groundbreaking as well as erratic, it showcases a legend at the height of his creativity- done right after his Four for Trane sessions (revolutionary reworkings of some Coltrane tunes from earlier in the decade).

Archie Shepp - Fire Music (1965; Impulse! Records)

Guru Guru - Dance of the Flames (1974)

A guitar-driven Krautrock record from the Mani Neumeier-led Guru Guru; which is notable because Neumeier was one of the better drummers in the Kosmiche scene so for him to sort of step back and allow his supporting cast to shine here makes this record altogether more special.

This was the only record guitarist Houschäng Nejadapour recorded with the band, and his contributions are pretty spectacular- his playing borders on spine-tingling fusion jazz a la John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra before giving way to straight up Krauty motorik and world music excursions.

Prepare to have your faces melted. Off.

Guru Guru - Dance of the Flames (1974; Atlantic Records)
-links to YouTube-

Yeasayer - Live at Ancienne Belgique (2010)

Holy shit this is so good. If you haven't hopped on the Yeasayer bandwagon yet, stop fucking around and get on it. Seriously. Not only are they one of the most interesting bands of the last few years in terms of experimenting with sound, they're also one of the most listenable (I know that word "experimenting" can be a huge turn-off for ears, but trust me- totally accessible).

The sound quality of this show is pretty amazing and the fans are respectful and attentive as well. 

Here's some live Yeasayer- check out some of the re-worked versions of the songs from both All Hour Cymbals and Odd Blood.

Yeasayer - Live at Ancienne Belgique (2010; self-released)

Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart - Bongo Fury (1975)

This is beyond "required listening". Two legends; one at the apex of his career, one at the nadir. Zappa was selling out arenas and Beefheart couldn't get anyone to play with him (the entire Magic Band up and quit on him in '74, due to his "abusive behavior"). Needless to say, Beefheart couldn't get a gig at a dive bar and Frank felt he owed him (they've been friends since high school). The two geniuses had a pretty strained relationship around this time; they were both on "ego trips" says former Zappa drummer Jimmy Carl Black, with Beef mostly drawing sketches on-stage of Zappa and Frank in turn hating the Captain's work ethic (Zappa was a notorious workhorse).

This album is notable also for the lineup featured; it's at the intersection of two of Frank's greatest bands- blending the early 70's incarnation with Napoleon Murphy Brock and Chester Thompson with the late 70's era band with Terry Bozzio and the Fowler brothers.   

One of my favorite records of the mid-1970s; listen to the Captain ramble nonsense over fantastic Zappa art rock compositions. Enjoy!

Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart - Bongo Fury (1975; DiscReet Records)