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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Milford Graves - Meditation Among Us (1977)

Milford Graves
Meditation Among Us (1977, Kitty Records)

"I initially grabbed Meditation Among Us because I was digging hard on Kaoru Abe. This is a supreme example of not only his talent but everyone involved. Ridiculous spazzoid free jazz explosions; drums sound like hundred car pile-ups, horns sound like the puddle that was my brain vaporizing in an unfailing series of ultrasonic bursts. Vocals on side two are like some haunted primitive, cursing and flailing at the stars. And the piano is just beautiful; spacial at first, then tense and bold. This is meditation among space-demons and hellfire. Chew it!" - DD

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Youth Of The Beast - Lantern (2007) (7")

Youth Of The Beast
Lantern (7") (2007, Arbor)

"Serving up a severely skronk-a-delic breed of free improv noise-jazz, Lantern is the first vinyl release from Andy Spore (Raccoo-oo-oon). Trudging tribal percussion, piercing feedback, screeching noise-bleed mixer rape and a spastic saxophone shakedown; total sonic assault! Wail on my friends, and dig these maxed out grooves!" - DD

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NON - Sick Tour (1985)

NON
Sick Tour (1985, Staalplaat)

"Some live Boyd Rice for all you ugly, ugly people! Wavering between throbbing pulse and static cacophony; Sick Tour is harsh noise that is both rhythmic and spatial. Very good indeed, as with most NON, so chew it loud my brethren!" - DD

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Spine Scavenger - Weighted Ghost (2008) (Cass.)

Spine Scavenger
Weighted Ghost (2008, Hanson Records)

"Spine Scavenger is my favourite Dilloway project, usually very peaceful while still replete with a caustic fuzz. Here, Dilloway plays the protagonist of a distant future, traversing barren terrain in a hovering speed-demon. A-Side sounds like our hero racing through sandstorm with some malnourished populous detector, in search of the Lost City. On B-Side Dilloway finally makes his way out of the dust and hits the pavement in a 16-bit parallel universe. Eventually reaching the City, he finds that everything is dead. We conclude with our hero again reaching into the void, left to wander for eternity. Dig it!" - DD

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The Keggs - To Find Out (1967) (7")

The Keggs
To Find Out (7") (1967, Unknown) (Re-issued by Orbit)

"This is literally one of the greatest garage 45's of all-time. Seriously raucous and fuzzed out genius! As soon as the opening vocal howl rips through your speakers, and the drums start to thud and pounce, and the guitar forces your body to contort into primitive patterns of rapture, you'll wish you could time-warp back to the basement/garage/living room that these dudes were jamming in and convince them to put out 15 full length LP's. If you haven't dug it, dig it NOW." - DD

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Bent Wind - Sussex (1969)

Bent Wind
Sussex (1969, Acme)

"Sussex is loaded with supremely fuzzed-out, Canadian-hippy, blues rock of the highest grade. Though technically sufficient, I find the band maintains a certain naiveté or charm more frequently reserved for outsider music. Wholly enjoyable! If you don't love it at first keep listening, you'll not want it to end. Definitely a new favourite of mine!" - DD

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Half Japanese - Sing No Evil (1984)

Half Japanese
Sing No Evil (1984, Drag City)

"Freewheeling, psychedelic, skronk and bang, thrusting and wailing into the street: fat bass lines that walk a hundred miles, horns honking in a joyous release. Half Japanese are diverse, spontaneous, and totally rad romantics. Chew it loud and swallow my fuglies!" - DD

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In Camera - Fin (1982)

In Camera
Fin (1982, 4AD)

"Originally recorded as a BBC session, this dark and brooding, new wave, post-punk, discordant rock and roll mess of beauty will get your blood boiling and toes tapping. Reminiscent at times of The Birthday Party, though more so Joy Division and the like. Dig it rough and gruff billy goats!" - DD

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Seth Nehil - Knives (2010) (LP)

Seth Nehil
Knives (LP) (2010, Senufo Editions)

"Among many things, Seth Nehil is a composer of soundscapes. In his own words, this record is inspired by 'cinematic sound design, hip hop music production, musique concrete and noir films'. It is a brilliant piece of work, well worth anyone's time who may be interested in sonic capabilities. Listen and enjoy!" - DD

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INU - Ushiwakamaru Nametottara Dotsuitaru Zo (1984) (LP)

INU
Ushiwakamaru Nametottara Dotsuitaru Zo (LP) (1984, Unknown)

"A wild and primitive festival of punk infested sludge (not dissimilar in tone and fervor to Amon Düül's Psychedelic Underground), this is quite far from INU's previous work, Meshi Kuuna!. With brute force and desperate yelps Machida Machizō throws away his pop sensibilities and gets down and dirty. Recorded live in 1979. Chew the fat fucking jams!" - DD

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The Cake - The Cake (1967) (LP)

The Cake
The Cake (LP) (1967, Decca)

"The Cake were a 60's girl group with tremendous vocal melodies (at times reminiscent of The Shangri-Las) and impeccable hooks, complete with shimmering orchestral arrangements. Combining original material with several R&B standards, they set themselves apart from other girl groups of the time. This record is far too under-appreciated so dig it loud and proud folks!" - DD

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Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - House Arrest (2006)

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
House Arrest (2006, Paw Tracks)

"Ariel Pink is a contemporary anomaly, composing his own brand of 80's infused, AM pop hits. House Arrest is my favourite of his albums, with some of his greatest songs (Interesting Results, Every Night I Die At Miyagis, Oceans Of Weep). You may already love him or hate him, whatever the case if you haven't listened to this entire record please do." - DD

- LINK REMOVED -
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Mahogany Brain - With (Junk-Saucepan) When (Spoon-Trigger) (1971)

Mahogany Brain
With (Junk-Saucepan) When (Spoon-Trigger) (1971, Futura Records)

"Mahogany Brain were a supremely enjoyable experimental mind-fuck led by troubadour Michel Bulteau in an attempt to merge poetry and music. Totally fractured, though entirely capable, psychedelic scrawl inspired by The Velvet Underground and Captain Beefheart. Dig in momma's and poppa's!" - DD

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Merzbow - Yoshinotsune (2004)

Merzbow
Yoshinotsune (2004, Clu Clux Clam)

"This is quite different from most Merzbow records (that I've heard). Falling somewhere between ambient & cacophonous, Yoshinotsune is a tremendously entrancing series of atonal drones. The first track contains a tribal drum pulse which is attacked by fierce fuzz shots and sounds somewhat like an anthem of the Machine Army. The rest is what might ensue after the Machine Army takes over. I fucking love this record!" - DD

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Thurston Moore - Flipped Out Bride (2006)

Thurston Moore
Flipped Out Bride (2006, Blossoming Noise)

"A stunned pulse, quivering in urgent though subtle malevolence. The drone, though seemingly omnipotent, is wavering: at times retreating to a gentle hum or mere flicker. I love Thurston Moore in Sonic Youth but this is a much different and far more meditative affair." - DD

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Robbie Basho - Visions Of The Country (1978) (LP)

Robbie Basho
Visions Of The Country (LP) (1978, Windham Hill Records)

"Combining his sinfully elegant guitar work with a bellow reminiscent of a more virile John Jacob Niles (not to mention some beautiful piano), Basho manages to compose a delicate yet highly intricate sound that totally envelopes and swoons. I am forever indebted to Darcy at DIVORCE for turning me on to this raw power!" - DD

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Tonetta - 777 (2010)

Tonetta
777 (2010, Black Tent Press)

"Finally! An official Tonetta release! I've been waiting a long time for this and ordered as soon as it became available. Ripped from the free CD you get with the LP and including the same songs, this is an eclectic batch of lo-fi basement recordings; licentious and lurid, madman disco-pop, punk rock, head freak fuck tunes from Toronto, spanning over 25 years. If you don't yet own it buy it now! I can't wait for the sequel!" - DD

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Vincent Gallo - When (2001)

Vincent Gallo
When (2001, Warp Records)

"When is a gorgeous lot of love sick lullaby's courtesy of one of the more polarizing creative minds of our time. Owning over 30,000 LP's and one of the largest collections of musical and recording equipment in the world, Gallo's obvious love for music is apparent within these songs. His voice is like a tormented Chet Baker, while the instrumentation floats just as delicately in back. A truly haunted and alluring record." - DD

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The Blue Humans - Clear To Higher Time (1992)

The Blue Humans
Clear To Higher Time (1992, New Alliance Records)

"Rudolph Grey (MARS/Red Transistor) brings us some enticing improvisational noise rock with the help of a few incredibly fine musicians, not to mention engineered by Jim Waters and produced by NY no wave heart throb Thurston Moore. Dig this before it digs you!" - DD

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Charles Manson - All The Way Alive (2003)

Charles Manson
All The Way Alive (2003, People's Temple Records)

"Aside from The Son Of Man, this would be my favourite Manson album. All The Way Alive features songs from his demo recording session on September 11, 1967. Some of these have been on other releases, but this is everything in one package including some very beautiful folk stuff, some absurdist-utopian free-form rants, and my personal favourite Bet You Think I Care. Dig it freewheelers and demons!" - DD

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Vincent Gallo - Recordings Of Music For Film (2002)

Vincent Gallo
Recordings Of Music For Film (2002, Warp Records)

"Love him or hate him, Vincent Gallo writes beautiful, seductive music which lulls the entire body. This collection covers all of his scored material from The Way It Is and Buffalo '66, as well as several songs he did for Downtown '81 and his short film If You Feel Froggy, Jump. Very much recommended for all yearning desire and personal reflection, as filmed by John Cassavetes." - DD

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tRANSELEMENt - Ouaqui Paetes (2001)

tRANSELEMENt
Ouaqui Paetes (2001, Self Released)

"In late 2001 I stumbled upon a tiny band in the UK making music unlike any I'd heard before. I found them on the now defunct MP3.com, at the time one of the few places to share music online. I managed to get some CDs in the mail along with a letter and was absolutely taken by their eclectic sound. Initially, I had planned on sharing their 8 Songs About Travel when I saw this. Ouaqui Paetes was my favourite of theirs & until now I hadn't a copy of my own. I haven't heard some of these songs in years and while listening today it brought the warmest smile to my face. I can only hope some of you enjoy this as much as I do. Truly one of the great lost gems of the decade!" - DD

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Y. Bhekhirst - Hot In The Airport (1986)

Y. Bhekhirst
Hot In The Airport (1986, HDG Records)

"Very much in a world of its own but loosely reminiscent of Mayo Thompson and Captain Beefheart. Jagged, unorthodox songwriting brilliance that I personally find hypnotizing. If you are anything like me you will strangely be pulled back to this album over and over again. There is something so unique about it that makes my panties wet. My pussy cries." - Modo

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Lewis - L'Amour (1983) (LP)

Lewis
L'Amour (LP) (1983, Private Press)

"Similar in mood to Arthur Russell and Nick Drake. Truthfully, I don't even want to talk about this album I just want to fade away in its world of sincerity. Like a glass of whiskey all by your lonesome. I'll meet you in the winter when the flakes are bigger than eyeballs and your footprints are reminders of your aimless drifting." - Modo

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Nocturnal Emissions - Drowning In A Sea Of Bliss (1992)

Nocturnal Emissions
Drowning In A Sea Of Bliss (1992, Touch) (Originally released on LP by Sterile Records, 1983)

"A killer collage of sound from the unparalleled and always inventive Nocturnal Emissions. Blistering drones created with found sound, distorted audio loops and a swirling blanket of fuzz make this a truly unique experience, even for NE. Chew it with vigor ya bloody fools!" - DD

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