COSMIC JAMS

Flying Saucer Attack - St

2009-12-04T16:06:00.000-08:00

Hello again! Here’s some new digs . . .

Flying Saucer Attack were the duo of David Pearce and Rachel Brook. I’ve never been a huge fan - but this record blew me away recently. Heavy UK post-shoegaze DIY vibes..wall of sound, lush vocals, heavy distortion, ya know…This originally came out in a great hand-painted art edition. The self-appointed masters of ‘Rural Psychedelia.’ 1993.

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?2jgektmy05m

yeaaaahhh

2009-06-29T18:29:00.001-07:00

Dave Bixby - Ode to Quetzalcoatl LP

2009-06-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, my obsession for all things 'out' dates back to early encounters with Jandek circa Chair Beside a Window, Palace Brothers' Days in the Wake, and early Royal Trux. More recently the 'loner' folk genre has successfully reared its ugly head via Peter Grudzien, true outsider Robert Martin, and solo outings by Wand and Raven. However, Bixby's 1969 debut is easily the most damaged and miserable of em all. Recorded over three consecutive nights directly onto 4-track tape, Ode to Quetzalcoatl presents listeners with a harrowing vision of the sublime nature of religion and its healing powers. Bixby was not only suffering from a traumatic long-term LSD addicition, but also from the failure to launch several psych-pop groups, namely Peter & the Prophets and The Shillelaghs. An untouchable, dark masterpiece.

link: http://rapidshare.com/files/246328521/Dave_Bixby_-_Ode_To_Quetzalcoatl__1972___192kbps_.zip.html

Orchestre Régional de Kayes - LP

2009-06-15T13:12:00.000-07:00

Otherworldly instrumentation and beautiful vocal harmonies make this a really entrancing listen. Floating in air electric guitar is met with crude sax and a plethora of shaker percussion and African drums. Vocals soar and dip back and forth in refrain. A youthful mélange of Afro-beat styles, Free Jazz, and traditional African folk rhythms.

“Kayes, the principal place of the First District, is the hyphen between Mali and her other partners in the O.E.R.S. This privileged geographical position alone might have explained the richness and the variety of the cultural heritage of the region…It is therefore not surprising that the young Orchestra of Kayes has attempted to find the inspiration and rhythm that reconcile a legendary past and a present of action and expectation.”-Liners

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?oowayuzjhed

V/A - 'Auhea 'oe e Sanoe - Field Recordings of Hawaiian Slack Key

2009-06-10T14:30:00.000-07:00

Ki ho’alu (slack key) is the Hawaiian version of open-chord guitar style and has remained in Hawai’i - nurtured and developed by Hawaiians without the rest of the world taking much notice. These recordings are presumably from the 1970s. The musicians featured are working people and the songs are stories; many of which can be extended to great lengths for sake of the lyrics. The “field recordings” found on this disc were collected in efforts to expose this rare style and certain area musicians like Stephen Kauhane, the Nicholas Family, Charles Chu, and Haunani Apoliona. The extensive liners note that “SLACK KEY guitar is just one part of the complex of Hawaiian music and dance.” Beautifully rich stuff- with soaring vocal harmonies and a great guitar feel. One of the best finds in awhile!

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?7mz9df00ytt

Broken Strings - St LP

2009-05-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

Long oop LP from Broken Strings, which boasts "fourteen tracks of genius, cassette-damaged power-pop." The brainchild of one dude, who supposedly recorded this string of songs in a secluded location by himself while suffering from schizophrenic episodes. Has a totally awesome blown-out vibe which is reminiscent of GBV, the ramshackle punk of bands like Hickey or the Bananas, as well as obvious vocal / topical nods to Daniel Johnston. Some of these tracks get stuck in my head for weeks. A great speedy motorcycle jammer, not a bad song on this one!

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?jog0uytn4ym

Mikey Dread - Love the Dread (track)

2009-05-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

Ill jam! Dread at the controls...

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?hkyljjdz4et

Brilliant Colors - 7" (make a mess)

2009-05-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

Debut 7" ep from indie grrrl 3-piece Brilliant Colors. Awesome lo-fi vibe, authenic old school diy sound, desperate vocals and great playing. Moreso reminiscent of the K-camp rather than the easy Raincoats / Kleenex comparison. Totally rockin' summertime jams!

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?t5mjuyr1mz1

Infinity Window - Artificial Midnight LP

2009-05-11T16:09:00.000-07:00

NY duo Infinity Window's debut LP. Two long sides of dense, shifting, sometimes melodic drone. Second side is a bit lighter, and even gets kinda sunny towards the end. Kosmische moves to the max! Limited LP, released earlier this year on Arbor. Meditative . . .

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?kygmqdznthd

Christina Carter / Pocahaunted - Split LP

2009-05-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

I've decided to take some time and put more real records on this blog. Here is the first installment of a bunch of LPs I've been jammin' pretty hard lately.

Although this one hails from 2007, its really come to define a certain sect of artists and styles which have only evolved since. This split was touted as the Best Record of 2007 by Thurston Moore and got a whole buncha people excited about the NNF label and the work of Christina Carter / Pocahaunted. However, Carter's been on the scene since the early 90s, playing as one half of pastoral drone folks Charalambides, and releasing work on her own 'Many Breaths' imprint. The A-side works in 4 pieces, showcasing her delayed vocals and unobtrusive minimal guitar work. Some truly morose and pensive meanderings on love and life. "Sunlight, a liquid of beauty, has to be seen before the moon"..."if only love meant liberation of the people"..."I'm aged by the sorrow I feel, the shadow of the lovers framed in the window smoking their discontent and fascination"..."Will this be the time I die before I wake?" etc. Slow moving and perfect.

The B-side features CA stoners Pocahaunted in heavy, long-form distorto drone guitar mode. The second track, "Silk Fog Traveler," is a blissed out rising sun jam that gives a linear feel to the whole disc.

More cool Lps to come this week!

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?tok2ednznnj

Some Krautrock vids

2009-05-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

Just some shit I was watching last night.. totally unreal!

Christian Marclay - Record without a Cover LP

2009-05-04T21:55:00.000-07:00

Christian Marclay’s fascination with pop culture has led to the creation of both collage works and art objects, as well as his video and sound pieces. His first recorded “release,” produced and distributed by Marclay himself, was Record Without a Cover (1985), which collapsed the boundaries between sound and art. This piece was a regular vinyl LP distributed without a cover so that it would remain vulnerable to all surfaces and people it came into contact with. One side contained an etching, while the recording on the 2nd side of the album was a collection of samples and selected works by Marclay. Collectors of the LP were instructed not to store the album in any protective sleeve so that each object would remain individual, marked by their own “historical trajectory.” Wish I had a real one !!

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?uyazyzlhjjm

James Ferraro - Clear LP + bonus track

2009-05-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

Deluxe vinyl reissue of European only cd-r, courtesy of Holy Mountain. James Ferraro of the Skaters, Lamborghini Crystal, et al. showcases some of his best work to date. Totally engulfing flawless tone-float-bliss-kosmische-swirly-sunshine-psychedelia-"tropical-drones-concept." Yeahhhhhhhhhh son ! !

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?ylg5xzmy2ly

Eat Skull - Wild and Inside CD

2009-04-28T18:37:00.001-07:00

Eat Skull's 2009 release, Wild and Inside is the follow-up to last year's great Sick to Death, both of which were released on the legendary Siltbreeze label. A great sophmore effort, featuring the same sound you've come to expect from Eat Skull: blown out, cut up, GBV-style production, fucked levels, buried melodies, etc. Features "Stick to the Formula," a highlight of their recent live set, and "Dawn in the Face," a real down and out acoustic dirge sesh, among many others. Another band whose records I feel will stand the test of time. Buy it here on vinyl later this month.

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?nzvytiju3j5

Woods - Songs of Shame LP

2009-04-28T18:11:00.000-07:00

Already a major contender for best of '09, Songs of Shame is not only Woods strongest effort yet- but maybe one of the best examples of exciting new bands/releases from NYC these days. Although Woods have been jammin' with each other for years in various forms, this LP is focused and beautiful, and perfectly encapsulates their shift from pastoral loner folkers into full-out fuzzed pop mode! Full of memorable harmonies and the typical wah wah psych/CSNY/Elevators/pagan campfire vibe we know and love. Home recorded at Rear House, released on Woodsist. "Road worn, windblown, and deeply grooved." Buy this record here.

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?wztydikgnqg

Ranking Dread - Lots of Loving CD

2009-04-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

Ranking Dread was notorious not only for his smooth Dancehall vocal stylings, but also his encounters with the law. Dread killed a police officer early in his career and continued to record and perform as a wanted man. Reputation aside, Lots of Loving is absolutely gorgeous- showcasing Dread's endless word association inna rub-a-dub style, with great production credit from Sugar Minott and zany dub elements all over. Been jammin' this one every morning and never fails to start the day off just right.

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?nwexwikztzm

The Revolutonaires - Drum Sound: More Gems From The Channel One Dub Room - 1974 -1980 CD

2009-04-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

Rare, hypnotic dub and versions from the Channel One Studio. Late '70s jams, most of which feature Sly Dunbar rockin' particularly heavy rhythmic grooves. Some really amazing synth and delay throughout, super stoned vocals and a great take on 'Pride & Ambition,' which was championed by Leroy Smart with Big Youth. A great compilation straight through. Happy belated 420!

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?dyheumimzmn

Religious Knives - Live at Big Jar Books CD

2009-04-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

Classy recording of RK Live set from '07 in full rock band mode. Great long takes on "The Sun," and "In Brooklyn After Dark," from the Its After Dark LP. Absolutely perfect dubbbbbbed out and stoned proto-punk Krautrock vibes tonight. Light it up and smoke it!

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?kznmmzwzwdw

Störung - Europe Calls 7"

2009-04-14T19:24:00.000-07:00

AMAZING dutch synth/cold wave/electro from 1981/1982!! Long lost tracks remastered from a cassette tape. The A-Side is a great new wave jammer, equipped with scorching femme vox and four-to-the-floor minimal drum programming. The B-Side instrumental features weirdo synth, sirens and fried electric guitar. Classic shit, and still available from Minimal Wave.

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?y0mfzjkyzwm

Video:

Elyse Weinberg - Elyse LP

2009-04-14T19:04:00.000-07:00

Stoned pastoral folk/rock LP from 1968. Elyse Weinberg grew up playing with Neil Young and Joni Mitchell but never reached a high level of acclaim. Instead, Elyse's music has become coveted by underground lovers of psych, folk-rock, and flowery arrangements. With a signature vocal styling not unlike Mitchell, Karen Dalton, or Niela Miller; Elyse Weinberg's sole LP is totally mesmerizing and beautiful. (Vinyl rip, not the Orange Twin reissue)

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?yzynggiytyk

The Velvet Underground - Reload : The Second Chapter LP (bootleg)

2009-04-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

Rare bootleg LP of Loaded outtakes and early demos. Some really amazing versions of "I found a reason," "Sweet Jane," and "Oh! Sweet Nuthin'," among others. Couldn't find a pic of the LP but it looks almost identical to that of Loaded, back cover and all. Still great to uncover recordings you haven't heard by these dudes.

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?nmzxiyjtt3w

Akitsa - Goétie CD

2009-04-05T21:11:00.000-07:00

Fucking unbelievable bedroom Black Metal from Canada! This is the first proper album released by this duo which saw re-issue from Hospital in early 2007. One of the most desperate, damaged and punk-primitive Black Metal records I've ever heard. Features signature strained vokills, bleak lo-fi production, and some meandering ambient dirges... Jammed this one for the first time in awhile the other night and was totally blown away!!! Literally sounds like the dude is puking sometimes. Killer!

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?dnyngmn1uzg

Silk Flowers - 7" 1 + 2

2009-04-05T20:46:00.000-07:00

Here we have the first two 7" singles by local (NY) trio Silk Flowers. Really smoky, dark Factory recs moves, with totally awesome Boyd Rice vocal stylings to boot. Some compare this shit to early Misfits which isn't totally off, but this has a way more damaged electro vibe. 1st single offers up some cool instro tracks with heavy synth and minimal, glitched drum programming. On the flip, the second single is way more vocal-heavy and pummels forward in blackened garage drum and organ mode. Can't wait for the LP!

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?zl42xyozmy4

Galwad Y Mynydd - s/t

2009-04-02T13:57:00.000-07:00

Absolutely amazing 'contemporary Welsh folk music' from the early 1970s. Galwad Y Mynydd (The Call of the Mountain) was a group formed by teenage brothers who went on to record one obscure LP which was re-issued via the Finder's Keeper's label in 2007. Great amateur vocal harmonies, totally perfect home-recorded vibe on the drums and jangly psychedelic guitars make for a really engaging listen. Some real down-and-out vibes too.. nice! (Thanks to Ian for hookin' this one up)

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?ydimhgo21y1

Graham Lambkin - Salmon Run CD

2009-03-28T14:06:00.000-07:00

Former Shadow Ring mainstay Graham Lambkin offers up a real heavy slice of disintegrated tape collage, field recording, and live playing. Birthed out of the Shadow Ring's demise, Lambkin's solo efforts are for the most part less frenetic and distorted- instead focusing on a more expansive, refined(?) style. The music contained within Salmon Run has a real rootsy humanistic approach, however synthetic the source. Cinematic in scope and continuously effecting, this disc proves to exemplify a beautifully constructed series of "out" compositions.

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?dcn22mxnjzz

Amps for Christ - Circuits CD

2009-03-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

Outstanding 1999 release from this incredible psych/folk outfit. Total distorto wall-of-feedback accompanies sitar, tabla, banjo, electric guitar, and voice to create a particularly satisfying sonic palette; not unlike the unyielded orchestrations of the Elephant 6 collective. Great male/female vocals, "faux"-Celtic mysticism, and a devotional quality which really enriches the whole vibe. A great, entrancing listen from start to finish.

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?dnzz2yyx5zk

Rodent Plague - Evacuations CS

2009-03-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

Serving up some serious gypsy psychedelia with this release, one man project Rodent Plague expands on his great single that came out last year with the addition of guitars, scorching keyboards, live percussion, and bells. The entire affair feels really like one continuous thought - or rather accompaniment to a real lost in the industrial landscape style adventure. Really great and draws comparisons to everything from Cluster to Can to Venus in Furs-era Velvets to Angelo Badalamenti and Popul Vuh. Awesome!

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?4wotzkkmkkm

dANA - Vvsta CD

2009-03-16T10:26:00.000-07:00

The upstate duo's newest disc, Vvsta, is not only their most complex, but their strongest effort yet. dANA's sound is hard to categorize, and most attempts to place this kinda stuff against other contemporaries has only proved irrelevant- this is some serious alien music. The swirling psychedelia contained within these tracks owes as much to legendary electro pioneers like Christian Marclay, Harmonia, and early detroit techno dudes, as it does to 80s/90s pop culture references like bad Michael Jackson vids and the 90210 series. Full of highlights and brain melting technicolor action, Vvsta is pretty singular and should prove a perfect accompaniment to your next drug sesh.

link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/p80wc1

The Cherry Blossoms - s/t LP

2009-03-12T20:39:00.000-07:00

Nashville, TN's The Cherry Blossom's first LP. A shimmering collection of rural, backwoods psychedelia; not without perfect clatter percussion, totally great shoddy intrumentation, and crooning vocals. The whole LP has a real lost-in-time feel, and those perfect melodies ya just can't get outta yer head. Most definitely reminiscent of early ESP outfits like The Fugs, The Godz, et al. but filtered through an even greater "what the fuck?" spectrum, simply because it hails from the 2000s. Peggy Snow on the vokills, whom also has a great portfolio of barn paintings (one which graces the cover of this beautiful release). Picked this up at Academy by accident- quickly to realize that something with such simplicity and timelessness rarely rears its head 'round these parts.

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?3kwmjmjdy3n

The Drowning Craze - Storage Case 7"

2009-03-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

The Drowning Craze were only around from 1980-1982 however their body of work was largely important and spawned the formation of some of the best British post-punk and new wave groups. This first single features Angela Jaeger, later of Monochrome Set and Bush Tetras, on vocals and Simon Raymunde, later of Cocteau Twins, showcasing what would later become his signature 4AD bass stylings. Totally wild dance punk!!!!

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?wmhzjtytmhy

Robert Martin - Long Goodbye LP

2009-03-05T15:10:00.000-08:00

Totally mysterious release. One man's take on the damaged blues, originally recorded in 1985 and reissued on Yik Yak last year. Long Goodbye, serves as a collection of songs for late nights and haunted hideouts; real Jandekian vibes here, but approached with a melodic quality unprecedented in most of the legendary Texan's repertoire. Rumor has it that Robert Martin was a deadbeat surfer whom had no formal musical training or concept of "outsider" art, but rather channeled his songs through his very particular and personal aesthetic- with no intentions of wide availability. Tim from the label told me that a friend of his worked with Robert in Santa Cruz and he just had a mountain of tapes lying around his room. Hopefully more is on the way. . .Lets just say words don't really do this one justice.

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?yivgzjtntto

The Pink Noise - Birdland CS

2009-03-02T16:19:00.000-08:00

Today's update comes from Canadian duo The Pink Noise, whom have easily proved themselves as the reigning pioneers of the entire new lo-fi synth "movement." This cassette was released on Bennifer editions sometime last year and will see a deluxe vinyl reissue on Sacred Bones (www.sacredbonesrecords.com) sometime over the next few months. A totally peaced out collection of destructo boombox symphonies - all channeled through the particular Pink Noise aesthetic of pseudo rap/speaking vocals, ambiguous instrumentation, and plastered casio beats. The way in which The Pink Noise maintain a totally singular vision while being utterly referential of genre and decade is truly mindboggling. Ripped straight from cassette - Birdland.

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?kmjntkvuykj

Dandelion - Dandelion LP

2009-03-01T17:28:00.000-08:00

Whoa! Dandelion's sole self-titled LP is hailed as a "mega rarity" of the 1970s French underground. First released as a private press of only 300 copies, this record thankfully now sees the light of day via the Guerssen label based out of Spain. A real mindwarp downer from start to finish, this LP is full of washy keyboards, amateur playing, ridiculously phased out electric guitar, and the type of weepy, strained alien vocals that characterize all sortsa outsider groups from Rallizes to The Bachs. Highlights include, "La Farfalla," which features great femme vox with bells, and, "I wanna See you," which has a real early K Records international pop underground vibe. Who the fuck were these guys ya know?? Check it out!

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?mzjzryin1in

Irma Thomas - Sings LP

2009-02-26T08:55:00.000-08:00

Re-issue from Change/Mississippi. A great collection of Irma's early singles for the Minit and Imperial labels from the 1960s. Some tracks featuring accompaniment/song-writing credit from legendary New Orleans musician and composer Allen Toussaint. A great representation of classic New Orleans soul: raw, crackling, emotional and unhinged.

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?kyjijjzjonm

Hallelujahs - Niku o kuraite chikai o tateyo LP

2009-02-23T09:17:00.000-08:00

Hallelujahs were a Japanese group led by Shinji Shibayama during the mid-eighties. A great companion to LPs by countless other Japanese psychedelic free-form units, Hallelujahs present a truly memorable vision, providing mostly hushed acoustic guitars, long meandering solos, tasteful percussion; occasionally adding synthesizers, piano, and additional vocals to create a lush sound akin to the feeling of seasons changing. A record like this really reveals where groups like Galaxie 500 got their whole "Japanese-influenced sound." This version is the reissue from Rover records, and features beautiful artwork, a Japanese obi stripe and a color insert with rare photos and lyrics. One of my favorites of the "invisible Japanese scene," and reminiscent of all the late 80s/early 90s US/Euro indie rock I love.

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?5timtgmeggt

J.T. IV - Cosmic Lightning LP

2009-02-19T11:48:00.000-08:00

Credited with shooting the longest film ever, "The Cure for Insomnia"-clocking in at 85+ hours, Chicago native outsider filmmaker / artist / and (sometimes) musician, John Timmis IV, also released a handful of singles and one proper LP, Cosmic Lightning in 1987 under the moniker J.T. IV. Presented here is the Drag City re-issue from last year in partnership with Galactic Zoo disk. A total heavy-duty slab of proto-punk biker jams, acid freak-out acoustic ballads, and songs about drinking beer and/or going to prison. A limited release with silk-screened sleeves, which also contained a dvd of "live" recordings, and excerpts from his "films." Effortlessly fucked up - a real mindmelter!!!

link: http://www.mediafire.com/?ktmm54z3jdn

Pigeons - Virgin Spectacle LP

2009-02-16T23:34:00.000-08:00

The first post...

This record was one of the first I decided to put on my computer from my turntable. It's been on regular rotation since the day I first heard it and easily topped my list of last year's best. Virgin Spectacle, is a beautiful collection of melancholy cosmic pop songs in an electro-affected Francais style; not unlike the spacier moments of the whole Brigitte Fontaine/Areski-axis, but also with nods to VU and diy synth pop. Edition of 500 hand silk-screened copies. Total sunday morning jam. Enjoy!

link : http://www.mediafire.com/?mtfdm0kzyzm