Mother Mallard's Portable Masterpiece Company ‎– Like A Duck To Water (1976)

Mother Mallard's Portable Masterpiece Company
Like A Duck To Water (1976, Earthquack Recordings) (Re-issued by Cuneiform Records – Rune 147)

"This is the second release from David Borden's incredible synthesizer ensemble, recognized as the world's first. This album features more of Steve Drews' work than Borden's, but I seem to like it even more than the debut. This is the 2001 reissue with bonus tracks and I have to admit it's not the best rip. There are a few blips and wiggles (during Waterwheel in particular), but the music is too brilliant to really care. Uber minimal, gorgeous tonal waves rippling through your head. This is everything I love about synths, so dig in and tune out hazy Jane's." - DD

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Kaoru Abe, Motoharu Yoshizawa, Toshinori Kondo & Derek Bailey - Aida's Call (1999)

Kaoru Abe, Motoharu Yoshizawa, Toshinori Kondo & Derek Bailey
Aida's Call (1999, Starlight Furniture Co.)

"So simple, yet such a wild and frantic roll and tumble. Kaoru Abe destroys his alto while playing slap back with Toshinori Kondo's madman trumpet squalls. The whole lineup is fantastic! At times it's quite calm and teetering, only to rejuvenate and come prancing back with a robust fervor. It was recorded live in Japan on May 3, 1978. You can never go wrong with quality players like these so please enjoy!" - DD

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Incapacitants - As Loud As Possible (1995)

Incapacitants
As Loud As Possible (1995, Zabriskie Point)

"Total sonic assault. That's all I can say to describe this supremely wrenching physical spasm of sound. From one of the originating bands of the Japnoise scene; take your clothes off, get bloody, and dig into this with virulent raw power." - DD

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Brendan Murray - Wonders Never Cease (2007)

Brendan Murray
Wonders Never Cease (2007, Intransitive Recordings)

"This is one of the most beautiful albums I've ever heard. It's also somewhat of a melting pot for sound. There are moments of suspended time and space, where nothing moves, and you can see the universe from outside itself, slowly expanding through the infinite void. There are moments of chaos and harsh noise, crashing through beautiful landscapes like firecrackers. It's easily one of the most enjoyable records to lay in bed and daydream with, so please do." - DD

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Raglani - Of Sirens Born (2006)

Raglani
Of Sirens Born (2006, Gameboy Records)

"'Serene' doesn't begin to describe how this record makes me feel. It is beautiful beyond words. I don't often get such joy and harmony out of "ambient" music, but this just draws you in so completely, allowing your mind to float though patterns and colour, remembering and dreaming all the while. It's been mentioned in other reviews but it is hard to deny the peaceful similarities to Popul Vuh's work on many a Herzog film. Sit back, relax, and dig this delicate beast." - DD

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