My Records of the year...

2017 - Part Two (I've done my back in so there will have to be a Part Three when I'm up to it, which majors on Stoner/Space Rock, some odds and s0ds, and a couple of disappointments). This is much shorter, you'll be relieved to hear.

Jazz

Saagara – 2

Saagara is one Polish gent, Wacław Zimpel, who plays wind instruments (mostly clarinet) with backing from a group of Indian musicians from Bengaluru. The resultant music is rather unique, with certain aspects of North Indian coming through, but with a clear Western edge too and a hint of klezmer. Though it avoids the sort of bland clichés this mixture can often result this sort of fusion. The rhythms make for great walking music!

Bandcamp Link

Hampshire & Foat - Galaxies Like Grains of Sand

This is Greg Foat (piano) and Warren Hampshire (lots of different things) with a few guests, making gentle, late night chamber jazz.

Bandcamp Link

Americana

Arbouretum – Song Of The Rose

Dave Heumann writes great songs, has a great voice and plays a mean guitar. The band have a mellow mix of mid-tempo Crazy Horse with a full-flavouring of Gordon Lightfoot (it’s no surprise they recorded a wonderful E.P. of Lightfoot songs). They don’t make many records, but each one is a treasure. Another in line for my album of the year.

Bandcamp Link

Shearwater - The Sky Is A Blank Screen

Confession: I’m a Shearwater nut. But even in that context this is a super live album. The set’s mostly taken from the superb, and mostly rather angry, Jet Plane & Oxbow tour of last year, though there are a couple of studio acoustic tracks. Jonathan Meiburg’s voice can go from a gentle croon (there’s a video of him covering a Roy Orbison song out there) to a David Thomas bellow. Note: The video is from that tour, but isn't the one used on the album but it's a fair representation.

Bandcamp Link

Prog

Agusa – Agusa

Swedish. Their version of prog is instrumental and to me sounds like a delightful collision between Focus and to a certain extent Jethro Tull. It’s always melody-driven and never descends into technoflash with 20 time changes a track. Very, very early 70s.

Note: There are two Bandcamp sources – the band’s (which I link to) and their US label’s (which I don’t). The download is the same (24/96) but the band’s costs less than half the price!

Bandcamp Link

Thanks Gary, good stuff (as ever) only a handful of bands there that I know so much exploration to be had. Hope your back gets better soon! 

2017 - Part Three (This segment brought to you courtesy of Voltarol and numerous ice-packs)

Space/Stoner Rock (Needless to say all need to be played very loud)

Oulu Space Jam Collective - Deep Harpalonia

Finnish hippie space cadets (much in the vein of Oresund Space Collective) that specialise in long live jams, the content of which is determined by the group members at the time. In this case the basic drums/bass/guitar are augmented by sitar and melotron (sadly fake, but who cares) and on the video a nice lady dancing with a hoop.

Often with this type of music, the attention wanders after a bit, but here they keep the atmosphere going for an hour. If you like this try also Harvest Sage.

Bandcamp Link

 Samsara Blues Experiment - One With The Universe

Good old fashioned 70s-style stoner rock from Germany. Their whole catalogue is excellent and this is well up to standard.

Bandcamp Link

Space Debris - Behind The Gate

More German heavy rock. This time instrumental with lashings of Hammond organ and Hendrix-cum-Trower guitar.

Bandcamp Link

The Spacelords - Water Planet

Definitely something in the water in Germany these days. Drums, bass, guitar, swooshy synths. Instrumental. Psychedelic hard rock in an Earthless style. If this appeals go next to their “synapse” album and whack Pyroclastic Monster up loud.

Bandcamp Link

Lamagaia - S/T

Swedish. If you like early Hawkwind’s take on space/krautrock, then this is there or thereabouts. Mostly instrumental.

Bandcamp Link

Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs - Feed The Rats

English (hooray, I hear some say). Brutal, no-nonsense stoner metal that says “Yes, we’ve listened to a lot of early Black Sabbath and Motorhead!”. This is the short track off the album.

Bandcamp Link

 Classical

Though I bought a fair few classical albums this year they were, with this one exception, released prior to 2017, so didn’t count.

Víkingur Ólafsson : Philip Glass: Piano Works

This might be a bit of a revelation to those who think Glass’s piano work is one-dimensional.  Here Ólafsson takes a goodly sample and puts them in a new light without taking too many liberties with them. Beautifully recorded too. Recommended to fans of Glass as well as those dipping a toe in the minimal water.

Absolutely No Idea What These Are

Sufjan Stevens, Bryce Dessner, Nico Muhly, James McAlister – Planetarium

Planetarium was originally a modern classical piece written by Nico Muhly and subsequently turned into something quite different (in parts) by Stevens and Dessner. Consequently it’s very diverse but rocky bits, and Sufjan-y bits, electronic bits and orchestral bits. This makes it a bit cifficult to get hold of on the first few listens, but after that it fits together really well.

I’ll post a few videos to give a little perspective…

And lastly this live one of the more out-there bits…

 Charlie Cawood - The Divine Abstract

Brought to you courtesy of DenisA, without whose live adventures this place and my music collection would be a lot duller. Not a clue as to categorising this, but it’s instrumental, a mixture of all sorts of things Eastern and Western. The closest I can come is Penguin Café.

No videos, but I urge you to gallop over to Bandcamp.

Bandcamp Link

Aquaserge  - Laisse ça être

There’s something about French music…this is a bit pop, a bit prog, a bit psychedelic, a bit mad. A bit Albert Marcoeur, a bit Stereolab. No one track is exactly the same style as another, yet it makes a whole. Another contender for album of the year.

Bandcamp Link

Re-issue Of The Year

The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

Especially the 24/96 version. This remix simply transforms it and even more than normal serves as a Tardis, taking me back 50 years. Sigh.

Not Bad, But Expected Much Better

All Them Witches – Sleeping Through War

Very good musically, appalling production (compressed, loud)

Steven Wilson – To The Bone

A little lacking in the usual Wilson magic

That's it. And well done if you got this far without shouting "Pseud!"

Some of my 2017 Music Enjoyment - Part 1 of 4

1982 - Chromola

Info - ( http://hubromusic.com/1982-chromola/ )

My first Hubro Music label purchase - Wonderful Pipe organ, plus violin/drums trio 

Mario Batkovic - Mario Batkovic (Wonderful Accordian Player)

https://invada.bandcamp.com/album/mario-batkovic

Info - http://www.batkovic.com/en/about/ 

 

Charlie Cawood - The Divine Abstract (Magical Ensemble, composed and orchestrated by Charlie)

https://charliecawood.bandcamp.../the-divine-abstract 

Sarah Davachi - All My Circles Run (Ensemble compositions & a change from Sarah's usual vintage synth, ambient bliss)

Previous albums are worth exploring - https://sarahdavachi.bandcamp.com/music 

https://sarahdavachi.bandcamp....m/all-my-circles-run 

The Evil Usses - Amateur Pro Wrestling (Lively band from Bristol) 

https://stolenbodyrecords.band...mateur-pro-wrestling  

That's all for now, another 15 to follow.

6+

Ian William Craig - Live in Durbē (Voice, Tronica & Noise) - Absolute Goosebumps at his Café OTO gig last year.

IWC- On the final night of my first tour, a strange concoction of exhaustion, attention and Latvian hospitality was poured into my cassette machines and this is what it sounded like.

https://ianwilliamcraig.bandca...m/album/live-in-durb 

Five-Storey Ensemble - Night en Face (My Ensemble collections have expanded this year, heard on the Steve Davis, 'Interesting Alternative Show')

https://altrockproductions.ban.../album/night-en-face

FOUDRE!? - Earth

I found this after seeing a FB post from Christine Ott (friend of Michael Bearpark) & seeing this on YT...

https://gizehrecords.bandcamp.com/album/earth 

Lusine Grigoryan - Komitas: Piano Compositions (A new composer & pianist for my ears - lovely)

http://lusinegrigoryan.com/node/38#audiojs_wrapper0

Katie Haverly - The Aviary (2015) - Bought this year, a fabulous singer (demo quality) & a new album out next year.

https://katiehaverly.bandcamp.com/album/the-aviary 

Live clip - 

James Holden & The Animal Spirits - The Animal Spirits

Fantastic gig at the Islington Assembly Hall a few days ago, as witnessed by James Holden's peers - Sam Shepherd (Floating Points) & Anthony Child (DJ Surgeon).

Full Album

Time for a Cuppa...

Jack O' The Clock - Outsider Songs (A fabulous collection of cover songs & a FREE download)

https://jackotheclock.bandcamp...album/outsider-songs

Loscil - Monument Builders (2016)  - https://loscil.bandcamp.com/album/monument-builders 

As I've been collection Loscil for about a year, his ambient catalogue might appeal. I started with Plume - https://loscil.bandcamp.com/music 

Matt Mehlan - The Mehlans

On the way to see Palm in September, I listened to an early release of the album (due to a cassette order). It's been making me smile ever since.

https://shinkoyo.bandcamp.com/album/the-mehlans 

Arvo Pärt - A Portrait (This opened my ears to appreciate to the beauty of AP) 

Samples  - https://www.chandos.net/products/catalogue/NA%208182 

Palm - Shadow Expert (One of the most exciting bands I've seen in years)

KEXP 'Live' in July

https://palmnewyork.bandcamp.com/album/shadow-expert

Prescott - Thing Or Two

If you want to workout with some weird shape throwing after your knee/hip surgery, then look no further than Kev Hopper's infectious quartet.

https://thoofa.bandcamp.com/album/thing-or-two

Another Tea Break...

Gary Shaw posted:

2017 - Part Two (I've done my back in so there will have to be a Part Three when I'm up to it, which majors on Stoner/Space Rock, some odds and s0ds, and a couple of disappointments). This is much shorter, you'll be relieved to hear.

 

Really excellent stuff here. I particularly liked Agusa (snapped up all their stuff at a pinch on bandcamp). Plus thanks for the Heron Oblivion live tip. I missed that one.

I see from your profile you're a Man of Kent or Kentish Man did you catch Jane Weaver recently in Folkestone (The Quarthouse) or Ramsgate (Music Hall)? - seems Kent is often a forgotten place when it comes to band tours. 

In the Agusa / Focus style you might like to check out a band called Solution - two albums on Qobuz at £2.99 each:-

http://www.qobuz.com/gb-en/alb...lution/5099994980059

http://www.qobuz.com/gb-en/alb...lution/5099994980752

Andy

Thanks for the Solution links - they've been plonked straight into my Favourites for later (currently being blasted by Dvorak 7).

Kent is a bit of a tour afterthought, though the Forum in Tunbridge Wells gets some goodies. My problem is not being able to stand for long, so Folkestone and Margate (who irritatingly get the wonderful Trembling Bells) are out for me.

Agusa:  "Prog" is such a broad church that it's hard to recommend on that basis, but Agusa were one of those bands that, as soon as I heard the first track, something went *ping* in a good way. 

To you and to anyone else interested,  you could consider doing what a few us here do and that is follow each other on Bandcamp. I've picked up loads of stuff on the back of other weirdos that way. My Bandcamp Link

P.S. Andy - just listened to the first Solution album and it’s right up my street. It’s even got hints of side two of Valentine Suite, which is a one-off heaven on a stick for me. Cheers!

Gary Shaw posted:

2017 - Part One (Part Two or Three, as this took me forever, another day)

Excuse the categories, it's a personal view and a rough guide. Videos and Bandcamp links where available.

 

Thanks so much for this - what a resource. Here are some stats:

• I had 2 already
• I listened to them all. They were all worth listening to. 
• I bought 2 on the spot.

I should also say thanks for the very handy youtube links, which mean its easy to listen to them. A model for the what are you listening to thread I reckon.

Thanks again! Much appreciated

PS just followed you on bandcamp

sjt posted:

Gary Shaw posted:

2017 - Part One (Part Two or Three, as this took me forever, another day)

Excuse the categories, it's a personal view and a rough guide. Videos and Bandcamp links where available.

 

Thanks so much for this - what a resource. Here are some stats:

• I had 2 already
• I listened to them all. They were all worth listening to. 
• I bought 2 on the spot.

I should also say thanks for the very handy youtube links, which mean its easy to listen to them. A model for the what are you listening to thread I reckon.

Thanks again! Much appreciated

PS just followed you on bandcamp

 

sjt, Gary is the man  

Back at you SJT. As Steve and Bert will tell you, I also like an awful lot of tripe

Adam Meredith posted:

Gary Shaw posted:

2017 - Part One (Part Two or Three, as this took me forever, another day)

Gary - considered, informative and interesting (WHY might anyone be interested?).

I wish similar purpose could be shown in the "What are you listening to .... ) thread.

Although: I am a fan of the uncaptioned, untitled cover art - especially when that art is also artfully anonymous. A quantum package of information that approaches zero magnitude.

Hi Adam,

Cheers. I honestly still feel I’m paying back a debt that goes back to circa 2001 and the recommendations that I’ve garnered since then. And when you think that most of those contained no streaming links, no pretty pictures...just a few words to describe, persuade, but with the power to change ones tastes. 

I’ll add that it’s as important for people to say: “That’s awful, what we’re you thinking of?”,because it helps when people ask for recommendations (e.g. I’d probably never suggest punk to Dr. Bruce)  

Nick

For me it is OKNOTOK, the 20-year OK Computer re-release.

Adam Meredith posted:

Gary Shaw posted:

2017 - Part One (Part Two or Three, as this took me forever, another day)

Gary - considered, informative and interesting (WHY might anyone be interested?).

I wish similar purpose could be shown in the "What are you listening to .... ) thread.

Although: I am a fan of the uncaptioned, untitled cover art - especially when that art is also artfully anonymous. A quantum package of information that approaches zero magnitude.

Nice work Gary. I will admit to having never heard of a single artist or album you posted. But perhaps that is the point.......

I wasn’t being deliberately obscure. I like old stuff too, but I’m also a new music junkie. And the world is awash with new music.

Gary.

Some nice stuff in your selections.

Have you listened to both the Aquaserge tracks at the same time. The combination works very well.

As I don’t keep a record of my plays I cannot give a definitive list, so this is really only my retrospective impression of my 10 most played records, in no particular order - but it probably really only represents the past 3 months. Of these only #1 is a new release this year, and 1, 4, 8 & 9 were new to me this year.

1. Roger Waters – Is this the life we really need?
2. Roger Waters – Ca Ira
3. Marillion – Script for a Jester’s Tear
4. Vivaldi – Cantatas – Bellezza Crudel, Tone Wik & Barokkanerne (2L)
5. Grieg – Peer Gynt op23 full version with vocals - San Francisco Orch., Herbert Blomstedt (Decca London)
6. Genesis – The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
7. Black Sabbath – Black Sabbath (1^st album)
8. Tarja Turunen – Beauty and the Beat
9. Blackmore’s Night – The Village Lanterne
10. Deep Purple – Deep Purple (self-titled 3^rd album)

A bit of a mixed list here for me ... my favourite albums of 2017 (new releases) and in no particular order

Ensen by Emel

Party by Aldous Harding

Mareridt by Myrkur

Planetarium by Sufjan Stevens, Bryce Dessner, Nico Muhly and James McAlister

Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie

Mark-Anthony Turnage: Remembering performed by London Symphony Orchestra under Sir Simon Rattle

Dan Arborise - Of Tide & Trail

Gary Shaw posted:

Um. So far I've bought 129 albums that were first released this year (which I'm taking as my criteria as otherwise I'd just give up). I've whittled that down to a short (!) list of 37 (one per artist, and some cruel exclusions), which I'll work into a readable list with a breakdown by genre and a couple of words to give guidance and hopefully links/videos where available.

I may be some time.

Wow, that is serious collecting! Even in my peak collecting years I never found even half that number of albums to buy in one year - it must be a full-time job searching things out! I don’t know whether to be envious, or glad that my musical taste and appetite for new is much more restricted! 

Gary Shaw posted:

I wasn’t being deliberately obscure. I like old stuff too, but I’m also a new music junkie. And the world is awash with new music.

Spot on. There's always something to discover, and that's why posts like your ones above are very helpful.

I would have much better playback equipment if I didn't spend so much money on music! 

Part 4.

Bubblemath - Edit Peptide

The best Palindrome (title) release of the year! Lots going on here & a must for all you prime number, time signature freaks. I've got bored with most 'Prog' music, but this is well made & interesting. Not sure whether 15 years between albums has helped the band, but it sure makes The Blue Nile seem prolific  

https://cuneiformrecords.bandc...m/album/edit-peptide 

Cheer Accident - Putting Off Death

This is my third CA album (others - No Ifs, Ands or Dogs + Fear Draws Misfortune) & the most interesting so far. The contrast between tracks 1 & 2 demonstrate the breadth of the bands songwriting.

With a band spanning 3 decades, there's more to explore & here's where to look - http://www.cheer-accident.com/store/ 

https://cuneiformrecords.bandc...um/putting-off-death

Oxbow - Thin Black Duke

Another band with 3 decades of experience to drawer on and my first album by them. Aggressive vocals/guitar & a nice change from the chamber & contemporary classical music I've mainly purchased this year. Another group to explore with Bandcamp. 

https://oxbowofficial.bandcamp...lbum/thin-black-duke

Pugwash - Silverlake

My favourite 'Pop' album of the year. Recorded in Jason Falkner's studio ( who plays wonderfully), Thomas Walsh sings with joy & has found a creative partner in Jason, who has all the Powerpop chops you could wish for. It's Summer all year round listening to this 

The Perfect Summer

What Are You Like (with Matt Berry)

An informative review  - https://www.rockerzine.com/201...-pugwash-silverlake/ 

In case you're interested, here's my Bandcamp collection - DenisA 

Here is my list...

I think the stand out record of 2017 is Public Service Broadcasting - Every Valley

It gets a picture as its reward! 

Ten points! Well Done!

Some others I liked (in no particular order):

• Thievery Corporation - The Temple of I&I
• Best Girl Athlete - Best Girl Athlete
• Derelicts - Carbon Based Lifeforms
• Dreadzone - Dread Times
• Martin Nonstatic - Ligand
• Melanie De Biasio - Lillies
• St Vincent - Masseduction
• Goldfrapp - Silver Eye
• Marnie - Strange Words and Weird Wars
• London Grammar - Truth is a Beautiful Thing
• Tricky - Ununiform
• Roger Waters - Is This The Life We Really Want?

Artists I became aware of (and like!) this year:

• Blank & Jones
• ARC (thanks to Stevee_S)
• Maria Callas (thanks to Qobuz bonkers cheap price)
• Halle Orchestra (thanks to BBC music mag)
• Ten Years After
• Sandy Denny

Strawbs ‘The Ferrymans Curse ‘ just released a couple of weeks ago.

Absolutley Superb album