Conan's Collection
 

Rare records collected from all over the internet, vinyls, tapes, CDs released here. Most of these records are long out of print and can't be purchased, but they can be enjoyed. Thanks to the many blogs and contacts who have collected these records from the original sources and transferred them to the digital format. Italics represent MB exclusive content.


African Music

Traditional and highlife music from Africa. These albums come courtesy of the Awesome Tapes from Africa blog , check it out for tons of great, obscure African music.

A.B. Crentsil - A.B. Crentsil and the Osookoo Stars

Really nice highlife jams from one of the genres most prolific musicians. Bright, happy and jazzy horns compliment impressive purcussion and humorous, entertaining vocals. Highly recommended.

Iliss Ntmazirte - ????

Moroccan tape. Two sides, each around twenty minutes long. As far as I can tell this is the only release from this artist.

Sourakata Koite - Sourakata Koite

Beautiful kora music. Good quality.

Onipa Nua - I Feel Alright

Street performer turned recording artist who, sadly, died shortly after this release. Africana with a U.S 1980s twist.

Ebaahi Soundz - O****ℇ

More highlife, this time from the very talented group Ebaahi Soundz. Very relaxed, jazzy approach. Recorded at a fair quality.

Folk/Country

Mt. Airy - Mt. Airy

1970s bluegrass infused folk/rock. A very solid record, but didn't get much attention. Mostly covers. Geronimo Jackson is a fictional band from the television series Lost, but if they were real, I imagine this is what they'd sound like.

Fuchsia - Fuchsia

Thanks to Stu for giving me this.

Alot was happening music wise in 1971, which was probably why this self-titled release by the Tony Durant lead folk-rock band Fuchsia was so ignored. Combining progessive rock music with folksy British pop, the album is incredibly easy to listen to and doesn't require much effort, altough the listener is rewarded for it if he so chooses.

A defining feature of the group is their three-woman string section, comprising of cellist Madeleine Bland and violinists Janet Rogers and Vanessa Hall-Smith (the trio also performs the angelic backing vocals heard throughout). The string work isn't anything jaw-dropping, but it's refreshingly different

Mountain Ash Band - The Hermit (UK)

Another MB inspired post. I believe it was Comus who gave me this. Many thanks to him.

Until it's recent emergence on the internet, this was (and if you aren't well connected, still is) a very sought after record. It's easy to see why, it's a gem.

Through a series of narrations and songs, it tells the heartbreaking story of a man named Job. Unfortunetly for him, his story isn't a very happy one. A truly unique and enjoyable recording, this will be a crown jewl in your collection.

Jazz

Gene Shaw - Carnival Sketches (Unknown Point of Origin)

Interesting jazz/Latin sonance. I don't know much about this record as to origins, but I do know that it is a fine album recorded in pretty good quality. From the sound of it, I'd like to say it originated in Latin America somewhere, but can't be sure. Recommended.

Henri Texier - Amir

One of my favorite albums ever. This is a 1976 release by French bassist Henri Texier. It's as subtle as it is epic, as beautiful as it is dissonant. In other words, it goes to a lot of places, places you wouldn't think worked together - but do. Texier really knows how to blend and bend genres, transending them effortlessly. You feel as though a story is unfolding, but there is no clear or formal narrative - it's a purely imaginative experience. This mixture of jazz, world, folk and classical music is highly, highly recommended.

The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble - Mutations EP (2009)

This is an amazing EP. Kilimanjaro began in 2000 as a project of Jason Köhnen (aka Bong-Ra) and Gideon Kiers. This EP is a bit different from their debut album, Here Be Dragons. It combines elements of freejazz with dark ambience, reminiscent of Bohren & Der Club of Gore. This is a definite must have for fans of Bohren and Dale Cooper Quartet & The Dictaphones.

Masada - Live in Grant Park, Chicago

Improvisions by jazz group Masada. Nice recording, the ambience of it being performed outside actually adds a really nice layer to this.

Rock

HiL - From Zero to the Whole Nothing (ITALY)

EP from Italian (english language) alternative rock band HiL. This debut was released for free by one of the members, and it serves as an effective launching point for a band I believe has a lot of potential. The songs here follow the standard popular formula, but there's definitely an edge to this music. I say with complete confidence that it's better then most of what you'll hear on Modern Rock radio today.

Though I recieved it directly from a member, the EP is for sale - if you really dig these guys then consider buying it. It's always nice to support independent music.

Note: if you want to support these guys, check out their website HiL - rock

C!ties - EP (IRELAND)

Cities is an instrumental band from Ennis, Ireland, formed in 2007. They released this EP for free on their website. I came across this by accident, but it was a happy accident indeed. They've a hyper-intensive, highly digital sound going on here. Also included in this release is a (quite good) remix of Supermassive Black Hole. It's definetly one of the better DIY rock records out there. Period.

Echolyn - The End Is Beautiful (2005)

LP from American progressive rock/bluegrass band Echolyn. Featuring four-part harmonies and some amazing songwriting, this group, often called 'The American Gentle Giant" , is a steller example of how good a modern progressive rock group can be given the right material to work with. From the quirky alt-rocky cruncher 'Georgia Pine" to the soaring 'Arc of Decent', this is art-rock at its finest and most fun.

Classical

Angelo Badalamenti - The City of Lost Children Original Soundtrack

Considered by many his finest work, Badalamenti's soundtrack is the epitome of amazingness. It's moving melodies are heartrending, the colossal walls of gorgeousity emanate a glorious bliss. You'll love it, I guarantee.

Nikolai Lugansky plays Sergei Rachmaninoff's Études-tableaux

"Études-tableaux" literally means "studies of landscape." Lugansky is a master of creating dark, cerebral landsacapes and yet maintaining Rachmaninoff's signature gentle melodies. This scintillating recording (all for piano) is both lush and beautiful, and will surely blow you away.

Noise

Skullflower - Orange Canyon Mind

Mesmerizing walls of psychedelic drone / noise, kaleidoscopic and discordant. Best listened to while in a dream-like state. Disclaimer: album liable to make you lose concentration on everything but the noise.

61 minutes; 8 tracks.

Waterdogs - In Limbo

Though there are only 2 tracks on this mind-blowing EP, it is the most vicious noise album you will ever hear. The only complaint I have about this is that there aren't more tracks.

Noise/Girl - Discopathology

Ears are bleeding. Disco blended with psychedelic harsh noise. This is NOISE/GIRL!

41 minutes ; 8 tracks

White Mice - EXcreaMaNTRaINTRaVEINaNUS

White Mice is one of the only bands I've heard to truly deserve the title "noise." Sledgehammer drums, overdriven guitars, and raw, crashing walls of psychedlic noise. Great.

42 minutes; 14 tracks.


Conan
Anteater
Allison
Ethan (no, not that Ethan)

If you grab any of these albums, be sure to fan the facebook page and show your support. We've got 4 editors who do great work and would love to hear from you. Thanks!

dude this highlife stuff is incredible, i'm loving it.

Some of my favorite records of all time belong to this genre. I don't know why, but it just really improves my mood and makes me happy haha.

Folk/Country

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._1053504_n.jpg

Mt. Airy - Mt. Airy

1970s bluegrass infused folk/rock. A very solid record, but didn't get much attention. Geronimo Jackson is a fictional band from the television series Lost, but if they were real, I imagine this is what they'd sound like.

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._4763187_n.jpg

Fuchsia - Fuchsia

Thanks to Stu for giving me this.

Alot was happening music wise in 1971, which was probably why this self-titled release by the Tony Durant lead folk-rock band Fuchsia was so ignored. Combining progessive rock music with folksy British pop, the album is incredibly easy to listen to and doesn't require much effort, altough the listener is rewarded for it if he so chooses.

A defining feature of the group is their three-woman string section, comprising of cellist Madeleine Bland and violinists Janet Rogers and Vanessa Hall-Smith (the trio also performs the angelic backing vocals heard throughout). The string work isn't anything jaw-dropping, but it's refreshingly different

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._7270208_n.jpg

Mountain Ash Band - The Hermit (UK)

Another MB inspired post. I believe it was Comus who gave me this. Many thanks to him.

Until it's recent emergence on the internet, this was (and if you aren't well connected, still is) a very sought after record. It's easy to see why, it's a gem.

Through a series of narrations and songs, it tells the heartbreaking story of a man named Job. Unfortunetly for him, his story isn't a very happy one. A truly unique and enjoyable recording, this will be a crown jewl in your collection.

Jazz

In answer to a question I recieved: each week isn't going to include a new genre. Genres are simply being added as I go, and I will continue to post albums from all styles.

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._3251814_n.jpg

Gene Shaw - Carnival Sketches (Unknown Point of Origin)

Interesting jazz/Latin sonance. I don't know much about this record as to origins, but I do know that it is a fine album recorded in pretty good quality. From the sound of it, I'd like to say it originated in Latin America somewhere, but can't be sure. Recommended.

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs515...._8158070_n.jpg

Henri Texier - Amir

One of my favorite albums ever. This is a 1976 release by French bassist Henri Texier. It's as subtle as it is epic, as beautiful as it is dissonant. In other words, it goes to a lot of places, places you wouldn't think worked together - but do. Texier really knows how to blend and bend genres, transending them effortlessly. You feel as though a story is unfolding, but there is no clear or formal narrative - it's a purely imaginative experience. This mixture of jazz, world, folk and classical music is highly, highly recommended.

The next albums to be added are Indian Classical that i've covered in my MB Journal. I won't make a post here about them but they will be added to the list.

Hey guys, i'm looking for editors to this thing. It involves adminship on the FB page, where you can write your posts (which i'll in turn post here with your name under). I only ask that you abstain from profanity, invite friends to the page and categorize correctly. You can post as often or infrequent as you like.

Hit me up here or if you want a PM for more details.

Rock

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos...8_240256_n.jpg

HiL - From Zero to the Whole Nothing (ITALY)

EP from Italian (english language) alternative rock band HiL. This debut was released for free by one of the members, and it serves as an effective launching point for a band I believe has a lot of potential. The songs here follow the standard popular formula, but there's definitely an edge to this music. I say with complete confidence that it's better then most of what you'll hear on Modern Rock radio today.

Though I recieved it directly from a member, the EP is for sale - if you really dig these guys then consider buying it. It's always nice to support independent music.

Note: if you want to support these guys, check out their website HiL - rock

Wow, you know not to sound whiney or anything but i've posted a lot of good stuff in here. Where is my crew at?

Hey man!

Some really cool posts so far, keep em coming eh! I was really overjoyed at The Mountain Ash Band, I have had it for almost a year myself, but that has to be one of my most treasured slices of music, which also has to be the rarest album to find out and about the web.

Check your PM's.

I don't always reply a lot to your threads but I definitely value them. I've already listened to A.B. Crentsil and Ebaahi Soundz (which need a few some more listens) and Iliss Ntmarizte eagerly awaits on my computer. You made the 'rare tapes from Africa' blog? I recall taking a gander through it in the 'blog' thread before. Those first few albums haven't really drawn me in yet but I'm not giving up and I plan to check out more, especially the noise and jazz stuff. I have some White Mice and it is certainly an eardrum scraping good time.