What is it? The same title as my three part compilation that contains a lot of music that I listen to, but not neccessarily all. I have aimed to go for artists as unknown as possible and I will keep it eclectic but listenable at the same time. Feedback is always appreciated.
Volume one.
Open, Parachute!-Gray.
An independent band that Lespaul got me into. I think they are still unsigned. The contrast between the gentle piano riff that dominates the first half lulls you into a false sense of security as the guitar heavy last half turns the song on it's head and adds another emotional edge.
Tim Maia-Irunizacao Racional.
A great slice of European soul that eases my mind.
Anoice-Aspirin Music.
A fairly apt title from this Japanese post rock band, who rarely give titles to their own tracks. There are a couple of heavy passages that save the song from melting into the cliched Post rock genre.
Talk Talk-Eden.
A track that is now 20 years old, but still has the power to astonish in it's emotional resonance and musically complexity. Mark Hollis's vocals are the not the most technical, they are however honestly soul searching and the sparse instrumentation fits like a glove.
Dizzee Rascal-Pussyole (Oldskool).
The guy is only 21 but he appreciates the musical development of Rap/Hip-Hop and produces a track that acknowledges early 90's rave while still giving us something original. HUGE bassline!
Goblin-Zombi.
Zombi is the European title (except for the U.K) for George A. Romero's film follow up to his seminal Night of The living Dead. Legendary Italian Horror film director Dario Argento acted as producer and used an inhouse Rock/Experimental band to score his movies. The film actually ended up using a score of library tracks and Goblin originals. This jazz flecked number is so indicative of late 70's movie soundtracks, but Goblin were also highly regarded in experimental circles too.
The Frames - Fitzcarraldo.
The Frames are a band you either love or hate. Their brand of melancholic indie rock is not particulary original. However it is completely heartfelt and the beautiful fiddle add's a simple yet effective aspect to their music. The percussion work is also unusual and features repetitive snare beats that somehow work.
Loop-The Nail Will Burn.
One of many shoegaze bands that seemed to be everywhere in the U.K circa 1988-91. Loop's music was atypical of the genre but the simple decision of mixing the vocals until they are virtually unintelligible adds a different dimension to their sound.
Vio-lence-Phobophobia.
Maybe a pointless addition but I always appreciated the fact that their music was always about big riffs and delivered well. Sean Killian's vocals are definitely an acquired taste. Peversley this aspect enamoured me more to the band than most other thrash bands at the time. It takes a while to gain momentum but there are some classic riffs on this track.
Ian Dury-Wake Up And Make Love To Me.
One of the finest lyricists this country has ever produced. This is a jaunty little funky pop song that show cases a national treasure.
Mass-III.
An experimental band that got lost in the cultural uncertainty that gripped the U.K in the early 80's. Did we go for Joy Division nihilism, pop music enthusiasm or retro lamentation? Because of this uncertainty, many bands did'nt get the attention they deserved. Mass where one such band.
John Martyn-Lookin' On.
One of our very finest singer/ songwriters but unfortunately afflicted with a self destruct button. John Martyn is highly revered in musicians circles and has a voice made of honey. His Jazz-Folk music has always enthralled the club crowd, yet his considerable talents deserve more. This is a glorious jazz rock track from Grace And Danger that was written in the aftermath of his divorce.
The most scary aspect of this album is that Phil Collins plays Drums on it and proves to be a very good drummer!
Fear Factory-No One.
I have always liked simple repetitive riffs that bombard your senses and Fear Factory seem to have the monopoly on clean efficient, almost military style metal riffs. The double bass drum/ guitar riffs work really well and they are a band that satisfy my noisy quick fixes!
Ulrich Schnauss-Einfield.
I am going to be honest. This sort of music has been banged out by Tangerine Dream and assimilated by bands like Sigur Ros for years now, but somehow that does'nt matter. Ambient music is just that. The artist is secondary. The ambience is all that matters. If someone can produce simple notes in an effective order and make me forget about life's troubles, even if it's only for the song's duration; then I appreciate it.
The Kinks-Last Of The Steam Powered Trains.
Better than The Beatles? I have stumped myself! This is a classic 60's pop/rock sound that could easily encapsulate how good the British music scene was in the 60's.
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