Music Archive: May 2011
About Group- Start and Complete (Domino)
A band comprised of members of This Heat, Spiritualized and Hot Chip, recorded on Conny Plank's desk?! Oh yes. Everything here was written by Alexis Taylor over the last few years, and obviously kept aside until he found the right time, place and people to realise it. More Kosmiche and experimental than Hot Chip, 'Start and Complete' is an indie-geek's wet dream. Years of material recorded in just one day, and essential listening, whether you're a fan of the constituent musicians or not.
King Creosote and Jon Hopkins- Diamond Mine (Domino)
Another collaborative album comprised of several years of work released on Domino? You'd almost think there was a theme here... New KC material is always a delight- even though it's often very difficult to get hold of- but this record definitely stands out amongst his catalogue of 20-odd albums. A subtle, cinematic soundtrack to the Fife coastline laced together with Hopkins' organic electronica. 'Diamond Mine' is a true gem.
Azymuth- Aurora (Far Out)
Far Out have the honour of releasing this slab of disco-samba from vintage Brazilian funk legends Azymuth. Recorded in Rio (of course), 'Aurora' sees the three original members of Azymuth joined by a number of guest vocalists; adding a slinky, sexy edge to their normally instrumental grooves. Like the best 1980s album Herbie Hancock never recorded, this is as full of funk and exotic panache as you would expect from a group with such an outstanding pedigree.
J Rocc- Some Cold Rock Stuff (Stones Throw)
In the words of the World Famous Beat Junkie himself, "Everything about this album will make you lose your mind. Not a mix tape. Not a DJ album. Not a beats album. It's the album." It'd be kinda rude to disagree, too. Easily the best DJ/producer hip-hop album since 'Endtroducing', it's clear why this record took 15 years to make. Soul samples, live drum loops and the most head-nodding basslines all conspire to make this an album we'll still be listening to in another 15 years. As ever with Stones Throw, the physical version is essential, including one of three different 'mystery discs', poster and sticker across CD and LP formats.
RM Hubbert- First and Last (Chemikal Underground)
As a member of Glaswegian art-rock stalwarts El Hombre Trajeado, RM Hubbert is hardly a newcomer to the city's indie scene, yet very little about his past is identifiable in this, his debut solo outing. Flamenco finger-picking takes the place of noise, and the whole record is infused with a spellbinding sense of delicate accomplishment. Not a million miles from the quieter codas of fellow Glaswegians Mogwai (with whom Hubbert has toured), what we have here is an album overflowing with charm and maturity in equal measure.
Timber TImbre- Creep On Creepin' On (Full Time Hobby)
Media darlings Timber TImbre come to us from Quebec by way of Brooklyn, and it's pretty noticable in this sophomore full-length release. Stylishness abounds with violins, doo-wop vocals and endearing nods to the likes of Sigur Ros, Low, Tom Waits and Arcade Fire. Every bit of this album makes clear the band's intentions- their producer has already won himself a Grammy, and now that TT are in the mainstream, their own can't be far away. Commanding stuff.
Various- Soma Coma 5 (Soma)
2011 marks Glaswegian electronic imprint Soma's twentieth year at the top of the game. Their fifth abstract/atmospheric 'Soma Coma' compilation compiles 'introspective' ambient moments from the usual suspects- Slam, The Black Dog, Alex Smoke and Silicone Soul amongst others. It'll definitely keep your mind busy until the label's anniversary remix collection later in the year.
Various- Messages From the Void Vol 2 (Cyber Dance)
Cyber Dance finally compile the highlights of several years worth of 12"s across this CD/double vinyl collection. Emerging Cyber Dance artists sit next to more established names, building an essential album of electro, Italo, synth-pop and disco. An excellent showcase of the work of a label who've successfully built a commendable catalogue while shunning the mainstream.
Tokimonsta- Creature Dreams (Brainfeeder/Ninja Tune)
Seven warm, woozy compositions created by Jennifer 'Tokimonsta' Lee between 2am and 7am. Lee tells us that at that time her "mind works in strange and mysterious ways". Like a shoegaze cross between Little Dragon and the Cocteau Twins, 'Creature Dreams' makes for interesting listening, nocturnally or otherwise.
Black Devil Disco Club- Circus (Lo Recordings)
Bernard Fevre has been at the top of the disco game for so long now, you almost expect him to slip up at some point- but he just doesn't. This album comes laden with guest vocalists, including Nancy Sinatra(!), Afrika Bambaataa, Faris Badwan from the Horrors and Italo legend Nancy Fortune. Often a roll-call like that would suggest something lacking in the instrumentation of a record, but not so in this case. 'Circus' is as accomplished, as exciting and as vital as they come- probably the best disco album you'll hear all year.