Al Stewart - Year Of The Cat (1976)

Al Stewart
Year Of The Cat (1976, RCA Victor / Janus Records)

"Time for some hazy jane, Bowie-infused soft-rock. I've no idea whether Stewart was actually influenced by Bowie, this was his seventh album after all and, in truth, it doesn't sound very much like Bowie at all, but at times it reminds me of him so I said it. Forgive me if I'm talking out of my ass. Anyway, this is pretty laid back, chilled out groovage with some excellent instrumentation and production so please enjoy. And I'll just throw in one more "Bowie" for good luck. Later gators! xoxo" - DD

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Bob Welch - French Kiss (1977)

Bob Welch
French Kiss (1977, Capitol Records)

"Is this the best R. Stevie Moore album ever made, you ask? Well, let's not get ahead of ourselves, but it sure is sweet. Former Mac guitarist and singer Bob Welch's debut is a warm sunset of sexual prowess and greasy lyricism. If you're planning a sweaty romp in the park some day soon dig this now." - DD

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Haruomi Hosono - Tropical Dandy (1975)

Haruomi Hosono
Tropical Dandy (1975, Panam / Crown)

"I'm going to use Japan as a transition to dive into some solid 70's soft rock jammers and I'm going to stay there for a few posts so bear with me if it's not your thing. First up, we have some jazzed out, tropicálic jizz-jams from the indelible Haruomi Hosono. Call me crazy but I feel it could almost pass for a Lennon/Nilsson production at times, aside from the obvious Japanese flair. Excellent spring time tunage my little bunnies, so chew it!" - DD

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Susumu Yokota - The Boy And The Tree (2002)

Susumu Yokota
The Boy And The Tree (2002, Leaf / Skintone)

"Some delightfully chilled out grooves from Japanese composer Susumu Yokota. I'm not generally too much of a "downtempo" sort of dude, and I'm not sure that's what I'd call this but it's one of the tags on Discogs so go figure. It is certainly very melodic and relaxed and contains a lot of fantastic acoustic sampling/sounds. Recommended for space travel." - DD

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Dolores Catherino - Mixed Songs (2012-2016)

Dolores Catherino
Mixed Songs (2012-2016, Self Released)

"Dolores Catherino is a musical and multidimensional explorer who's spent years honing her craft. Creating wholly unorthodox landscapes through polychromatic and microtonal composition, she is on a voyage to expand musical consciousness. You're right, I don't totally get it. But I love it! I should also note this isn't an album but a collection of songs I've bought from her Bandcamp. Nonetheless, these juicy jammers are super spaced and amazing so dig deep kids! And don't hesitate to go binge watch everything on her Youtube page, it rules too." - DD

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Sarah Davachi - All My Circles Run (2017)

Sarah Davachi
All My Circles Run (2017, Students Of Decay)

"Maximum drones supreme! I've been listening to this beautiful beast for a few weeks and am simply in love with where it takes me. Not to be lame or subject such captivating music to the baseness of my own experience, but I was sick recently and decided to eat a bunch of edibles. I wasn't feeling much and wanted to sleep so I took NyQuil and started listening to this through headphones. I quickly found myself in deeeeep space, drifting in and out of lucidity, rolling through hills and valleys of space and time. Conclusion: No clue, but dig this immediately!" - DD

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Mica Levi & Oliver Coates - Remain Calm (2016)

Mica Levi & Oliver Coates
Remain Calm (2016, Slip)

"Here we have a delicious collaboration of minimal electronics and acoustic sounds, still with an undertone of that unease present in Levi's soundtrack work but a more peaceful affair overall. Highly recommended for drowning out the hell of public transit, or anytime you just want to relax and drift away." - DD

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Mica Levi - Under the Skin (OST) (2014)

Mica Levi
Under the Skin (OST) (2014, Milan / Rough Trade)

"This is one of my all-time fav soundtracks and I'm happy to finally share it. Many of you probably know it, but if not get in on it now. Mica Levi (aka Micachu) composed some rather dark, uncomfortable patterns for Under The Skin, primarily with only a few elements at a time, which perfectly mirror the anxiety and dream-like feel of the film. Expect primitive drum machine rhythms, layered solo string samples and static noises. Highly recommended, seriously brilliant stuff!" - DD

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Jacqueline Humbert & David Rosenboom - Daytime Viewing (2013)

Jacqueline Humbert & David Rosenboom
Daytime Viewing (2013, Unseen Worlds)

"Wondrous beauty abound! Rosenboom's ethereal electronics groove and pounce while Humbert's hypnotic vocals lull you into oblivion. Maximum tranquility my drooling bunnies, so jam on in peaceful prosperity!" - DD

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The Lovin' Spoonful - Everything Playing (1967)

The Lovin' Spoonful
Everything Playing (1967, Kama Sutra)

"Good times galore frilly dillies, spring has sprung early this year! So saddle up and grab it by the spoonful!" - DD

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Jean-Pierre Mirouze - Le Mariage Collectif (OST) (1971)

Jean-Pierre Mirouze
Le Mariage Collectif (OST) (1971, Disques Bagatelle / Born Bad Records)

"Quite simply, this is a remarkable soundtrack and everyone should hear it. So quit mucking about and fucking just grab it already! Your day will be better as a result." - DD

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Roberto Cacciapaglia - The Ann Steel Album (1979)

Roberto Cacciapaglia
The Ann Steel Album (1979, Durium)

"A sharper reviewer would likely have many things to say about this album, and I wish I could do better for you all, I really do, but to be frank I'm just not in the zone today. Off the top of my head I'd say there are obvious comparisons, with regard to its quirkiness, to things like Laurie Anderson or The Flying Lizards, maybe some YMO (?) - there's definitely something else I was thinking of previously and can't remember now - but beyond comparisons this is simply a really wonderful pop record that I highly recommend. Chew it hard my little buddies!" - DD

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Frank Zappa - Sleep Dirt (1979) (LP)

Frank Zappa
Sleep Dirt (LP) (1979, Discreet)

"Let me start by saying that I've long been a man of the Zap. In my entire record collection, the largest plot of land belongs to the mother of invention. Yet, for some ungodly reason, not only have I just recently discovered this incredible (and wholly instrumental) menagerie of beauty from the late, great conductor of slime, I've also posted exactly zero albums of his on this blog. Great googly-moogly, to be sure! For shame! But here we are at last my friends, so get that greazy greaze and smother!" - DD

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Carbon Colossal - The Disassembly of Earth (2017) (EP)

Carbon Colossal
The Disassembly of Earth (EP) (2017, Self Released)

"Maximum gnarlage! This beaster is so much fun. Guitars squealing, drums blasting, vocals wailing and grunting and destroying the universe; it's got everything you want in a black metal album and doesn't waste too much time meandering or building up. Dig in and drown scuzzmuffins!" - DD

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Death Grips - Bottomless Pit (2016)

Death Grips
Bottomless Pit (2016, Harvest / Third Worlds)

"Hello all, I figured I'd start this year with one of my favourite albums from last year. In my mind this is without doubt the best thing Death Grips have released since Exmilitary. It's pulsing, fierce and more so than many of their albums, I find, meaty. There is something thick inside these tunes worth blasting into your ears repeatedly. Dig in and chew it fuglies, and welcome to the Trump world of 2017!" - DD

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The Miles Davis Nonet - Paul's Mall. Boston, September 1972 (2015)

The Miles Davis Nonet
Paul's Mall. Boston, September 1972 (2015, Hi Hat)

"Free-squealin' and big dealin', this is some fantastic On The Corner era live Davis. It's taken from a radio broadcast on WBCN, September 14th, and as such is not the greatest sound quality but the performance is there in spades. Dig in and groove out sweet beauties!" - DD

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RE-POST: Alèmu Aga - Éthiopiques Vol. 11: The Harp of King David (1995)

Alèmu Aga
Éthiopiques Vol. 11: The Harp of King David (1995, Buda Musique)

"Alèmu Aga is a master of the bèguèna, an Ethiopian instrument used in prayer and meditation, and his voice is totally unreal and beautiful. I fell in love with this album a few years ago and have been constantly going back to it since. It is some of the most soothing music I have ever heard, so please enjoy. Truly a masterpiece of pure tranquility!" - DD

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Originally posted on 05/01/15.

James Brown - Funky Christmas (1995)

James Brown
Funky Christmas (1995, Polydor / Chronicles / Polygram Records)

"Hot damn, it's that time of year again folks! Holly jolly and all that jazz. My favourite time of year, though Halloween is a close second. So here's a funky little goose with some "fantabulous" Christmas jams! If that's yr thing then get into it, and if not well then you may as well just go count your gold coins or something. Fa la la la laaaa, blah blah blah blaaaaah! Uh! I feel good!" - DD

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Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou - Éthiopiques Vol. 21: Piano Solo (2006)

Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou
Éthiopiques Vol. 21: Piano Solo (2006, Buda Musique)

"I actually meant to post this a few years ago when I was really digging hard on the Éthiopiques series, but for whatever reason it slipped past me. Alas, here we are. Quite possibly the most beautiful piano work I've ever heard, a truly incredible blend of traditional Ethiopian and classical composition. Get it, listen to it, then listen ten more times. You'll find inner peace the likes of which you didn't know possible, believe me. Probably the best album I've posted all year!" - DD

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Aaron Neville - Tell It Like It Is (1966)

Aaron Neville
Tell It Like It Is (1966, Parlo Records)

"Fifty years ago they really knew how to make good records. Now, I know that you know that I know that's just a broad generalisation and a dumb thing to say. Of course they still make incredible records! No duh! But right now, this morning, this is like butter on toast sweet babies. So smooth! So warm! So fucking delicious! Enjoy it my pretties, it loves you almost as much as I do." - DD

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Djwwww - Arigato (2016) (Cass.)

Djwwww
Arigato (Cass.) (2016, Orange Milk Records)

"I realized I've somehow gone the entire year without posting anything actually released in 2016. I'm correcting that now with this digital convulsion of sound. Shattered collage jams for all your doddering fever-dream desires. Enjoy!" - DD

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Testpattern - Après-Midi (1982)

Testpattern
Après-Midi (1982, Yen Records / Alfa)

"Some more Japanese goodies for all you perverts, ala Kraftwerk meets YMO with a dash of Chevalier Avant Garde. Uber pleasant synthetic dreams abound kiddies so lap it up! This is hands down my favourite listen of the past few months." - DD

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Laura Nyro - Eli and the Thirteenth Confession (1968)

Laura Nyro
Eli and the Thirteenth Confession (1968, Columbia)

"Nyro's sophomore release is a delightfully whimsical affair, in the vein of only the best 70's NYC/folk/rock/soul/r&b (what a stupid mouthful!). If you've never heard her before, think Carole King but slightly more out-there. If you're into that sort of thing then dig in deep friends 'cause this here's a goodie." - DD

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Toshiko Akiyoshi - Her Trio, Her Quartet: Recordings from 1956-58 (1956)

Toshiko Akiyoshi
Her Trio, Her Quartet: Recordings from 1956-58 (1956, Storyville Records)

"Some tasty jazz from the incredible Toshiko Akiyoshi, one of Japan's finest piano players. Her fingers are like otherworldly demi-god's, thrashing in a most graceful way across the keys at breakneck speed. It sounds vicious I know, but it's the furthest thing from it. Not sure what the details are on this one as it has a lot more tracks than the two versions listed on Discogs, but that suits me just fine. Highly recommended for Holiday listening with a tall glass of your favourite drink!" - DD

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The Stranglers - The Collection (1977-1982) (1982)

The Stranglers
The Collection (1977-1982) (1982, Liberty)

"Whatever happened to Leon Trotsky? He got an ice pick that made his ears burn! The Stranglers are a true classic, and this compilation represents the best of the first half of their career. Jam it long and hard ya filthy fugs, then rinse and repeat!" - DD

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Annette Peacock - X-Dreams (1978) (LP)

Annette Peacock
X-Dreams (LP) (1978, Aura)

"Annette Peacock has released many albums and most of them are fantastic. She's amazing and far too underappreciated! This is my personal fav, with the perfect blend of her seemingly meandering but highly infectious lyrics and some pristine jazz/funk/rock melodies (featuring the likes of Mick Ronson and Bill Bruford, to name a few). To me, it feels like '70's New York all over, despite being recorded in London. So come for the grooves but stay for the Peacock, kiddies! This is a good loaf!" - DD

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Macho Alex - The Funk (1995) (Cass.)

Macho Alex
The Funk (Cass.) (1995, Self Released)

"I stumbled onto this tape a while back, thanks to Waxi and most likely my good friend Maxy, and managed to pick up a copy when it got "reissued" last year (I actually grabbed two). It rules. "Self released" by young Alex in 1995, its a strange combobulation (that really should be a word) of record samples, muddled cling clangs, warbled keys and one oddball little freak screeching and burping out some of the coolest lyrics I've ever heard over top of it all. You like outsider music? You like kids? Have both, ya bunch'a lickin tickin wombats! Laugh-A-Strudel!!" - DD

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浅川マキ - Maki VI (1974)

浅川マキ
Maki VI (1974, Express)

"I'm back! And what better way to kick things off than w/ some gorgeous jazz/blues from Japanese singer and composer Maki Asakawa. This may not be her best collection of songs per se but I really dig the live environment here, specifically the laid back instrumentation. It's simple and straight to the point. Uber loungy groovage of the highest grade, dig it deep turd herders!" - DD

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Various Artists - The B-Music Of Jean Rollin 1968-1979 (2012)

Various Artists
The B-Music Of Jean Rollin 1968-1979 (2012, B-Music / Finders Keepers Records)

"OK, so I'm not leaving until tomorrow. But I realized I won't be back until November and I can't leave without celebrating All Hallows' Eve w/ you. So I've decided to post this little gem of horror before I go. An eclectic mix of incredible tracks from the films of legendary vamp-sleaze-kingpin, Jean Rollin! This runs the gamut, from psych-rock to jazz, euro-folk to avant-garde, whips to chains, moans to screams. It's time to get naked and chew some nape!" - DD

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Henry Cow - The Henry Cow Legend (1973)

Henry Cow
The Henry Cow Legend (1973, Virgin)

"Moooooooo! Le cow. Le super bon cow avec sweet and soul! Ingest das moogamoo, und shepherd thy goodness in deep mein heavenly hopes. Hai?! Hai! I'm off to Japan for a few weeks, I'll write you all when I return xoxoxoxo." - DD

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