Bright, persistent synth-driven pop—just what’s needed to get us all (those in New York, anyway) out of this rain-fueled slump, though the skill with which Vitesse craft these apparently simple, yet misleadingly elegant songs is reason enough to hear this album. Yes, Vitesse owes a debt
Abrasive? Anarchic? Just nuts? I don’t know and I don’t think they ever knew, either—or cared—and in that may be what makes this 1985 release such a worthwhile listen: it’s wholly original. Quite seriously, in an age of reprocessed/recycled culture and music (that being,
Warp Records wunderkind Chris Clark will change the way you feel about experimental electronic music. Though continually pushing the envelope, Clarence Park never loses sight of being listenable. Clark's debut album showcases his ability to run a wide gamut of emotion: sometimes bleak (‘A Laugh With Hills’), occasionally
Right now it’s really hot in New York. Really hot. Something about the vacant, tropical, acid-house sound on this album makes it perfect for what we’re all sweating through here. Recorded in (where else?) Ibiza (upon, reportedly, a legendarily massive load of drugs), this 1989 release strikes
In this album San Francisco’s The Lies have crafted an intense, lovely, soaring effort that touches so many different levels of emotion and influence that this seems almost to be in a field all of its own. Keep an eye on what they do next. Favorite tracks: ‘Accident &
Detroit’s Adult. (always written with the period) is detailed, nuanced, modern, electronic music for every activity that comes to mind. Hard to describe, except in that it features pervasive vocals, extremely well-written songs, and an impeccable sense of the drama it creates. Favorite track: ‘Hand to Phone’
For the stutter beat in ‘Electronic Performers.’ For the chorus of ‘How Does It Make You Feel?’ (and for the lights). And for everything about ‘Sex Born Poison,’ this, Air’s newest release, is the album of the week. This isn’t fashion music, it’s not photo-shoot music,
Dark, driving punk rock sewn from the same fabric as Unwound. But it’s different, mind you: this is death-wish music. Oh, yes, and then comes the screaming. Might want to make that stop, though. Favorite track: ‘The Open Sea’
They played two shows here in New York last weekend—both sold out and I didn’t get into either one. It’s a shame, too, since I saw them last year at what was one of the most impressive shows I’d seen in a long, long time. This,
This Godspeed You Black Emperor! side project featuring Efrim shows a more focused version of the music for which Godspeed has become synonymous. Here you will find a much more distinct utilization of leitmotifs, the ever-present brooding, percussive strings, and, happily, vocals(!). I passed this by when it first
