Electronic Music Education - Ishkur's Guide to Electronic Music

It isn't techno. and it isn't electronica. Its not dance, nor is it musique concrete. Electronic music spans so far and wide, that it has eaten a slice of rock, encapsulates all of r&b rap, and nearly all of pop. It has roots so far back that you could say it predated the civil war, and it very well may be what you'll hear in one way or another for the rest of your life, unless you listen to bluegrass.

So with all of that in mind, I'm going to share something I was given as a study guide sometime back near 2005. It has been defunct for so long now, that I'm occasionally worried that its going to be deleted, yet it remains.

I give you, Ishkurs guide to Electronic Music (v. 2.5). This will take you HOURS to read through, and it can give a name to hundreds of vague genres that you always enjoyed, or wanted to know.

here's a bland quote

"The guide attempts to depict the chronological order of electronic music genres' appearance. It contains 7 separate parent areas of electronic music to explore - House, Techno, Breakbeat, Jungle, Hardcore, Downtempo, and Trance."

The whole thing is done in flash, which leaves it a little annoying to me since I've done interfaces and web design, but the depth and entertainment that it brings makes up for it in droves. The tutorial about electronic music's historical beginnings alone is about 14 pages, but if all you want is to skip through all that and get into the music surfing, then you can go right ahead, and explore through at least a hundred genres, with songs tied to them, his impressions of it, as well as a little background into why it is what it is, where it started, what the scene was like.. There are even radio stations linked in to tons of the genres so that you can just instantly start listening to netradio of your favorites, or look up the bands listed under the genres you like (thats how I found Tsunami One)

If I met this person I would buy them any drink or drug they wanted, and just sit back and talk with them for a day at least.

Rumors circulate that he's working on a version 3, but there hasn't been any news about it for a while now. His website is just a landing page, and the last thing I've found was a DJ set that he did in anticipation of the next version.. from 11 months ago.

https://soundcloud.com/ishkur23/ishkur-pure-trance
Ishkur - Pure Trance Mix
(Edit: it seems that Ishkur has quashed his account or at least the mix that was there. I found some online versions, so I've uploaded a copy to mediafire)

I hope that one day in the future, someone collects all of the information saved on this site, and keeps a copy of it as a backup to convert all that info into some other version, because one day in the future, this shit would make for the best textbook or college course ever.

Digitally Imported Presents - Ishkur's Guide to Electronic Music

Black Mesa: Source - Soundtrack

Band / Artist: Joel Nielsen
Year: 2012
Genre: Independent Game Soundtrack

My Review:
Original half life, the game to change all first person shooters. It's the game that set the bar, creating the story driven first-person shooter genre. Originally it came out in 1997, winning over 50 PC Game of the Year awards. Like all 3D games from 97, it has the joy of being incredibly outdated now, but spawning a huge fanbase and an entire franchise.

And thats where Black Mesa comes in. Originally the project was called Black Mesa: Source because it was recreating the Black Mesa Test Facility from game 1, and using the new Source engine as the main way of building it. All of the work was done by a small team of indie modders, and I know that some of the reason for the incredible time drag in releasing it was due to the meshing of 2 separate teams that had both started on the same project, and decided to merge and pool resources as soon as they realized that they were competing against one another. the end results can be sort of seen here.



The updated experience goes for both streamlining elements of the original gameplay, and for creating a much more modern modelling for all of the characters. It is in its first official alpha release, but I've seen an incredibly promising mod addition..

..that I hope gets adopted into the next alpha release, which should also continue the storyline along into Xen.

I've played through the game twice as it is in this stage, and i've had a lot of fun doing so. I cant wait to see a version repacked that includes the updated sections from the secondary modding developer, as well as the finishes to the story.

As far as the music goes, it has a good sound that you can tell was very much inspired by the score work from Half Life 2, and the later two episodes extending the storyline onward into some pretty engaging places. As much as I'm looking forward to seeing where the Valve team is going to go with their story, I am incredibly grateful for this mod, and the music that come along with it, which is awesome desk music while I'm working.

So play the game, get the soundtrack, have a fun time.

Black Mesa Soundtrack

Bitbasic - Meek

Band / Artist: Bitbasic
Year: 2012
Genre: Nu Breaks, IDM, Glitch, Electronica, Jungle, Breakbeat, Future Garage

My Review:
Name; Simon Haycock. Location; London. Skill; Electronica?

This is a gem in the IDM, , whatever-you-say kind of electronica world. I've referenced the album "Family Glue" by Global Goon before, and this is an album that feels like it is on par with that same bubbly, playful, groovy feel. Some moments have that kind of skill that Beck was notorious for, taking bunches of noise, and making it into something completely different.

Its one part of Jazz and Funk, shaken over frozen Jungle, and then poured in a Glitch glass with some fresh IDM squeezed over the top... I need better analogies.

Here is his fabecook. He posts regularly from it.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bitbasic/18143872795

Here is his twitter filled with tweets. https://twitter.com/Bitbasic

Here is the guy that was kind enough to do the cover art.
http://www.daviddrake.co.uk/

Welp. I could gab your ear off all day about how much I've been annoying friends with this cd on repeat, but I'll just let you go listen for yourself.


Bitbasic - Meek

I Am The Cosmos - Monochrome

 

Band / Artist: I Am The Cosmos
Year: 2013
Genre: New Wave, Synthpop, Post-Punk Revival

My Review:


They come out of Dublin. They make some really pleasant Dreampop-like New Wave music. The references in their songs to various modern and postmodern artworks was nice for me, but a half decade of art school will do that to you.

There is a lot of information in the liner art for this release, discussing the artworks they reference, and coming off kind of like a little manifesto. Its pretty subdued music with a lot of ideas there if you're willing to look into it, but sounding great and flowy if you aren't looking for more than some calming tunes.

It definitely has a great sound to it, something I could imagine enjoying at my favorite gothish bars on a quiet patio or lounge space.

I Am The Cosmos - Monochrome

K.Flay - I Stopped Caring in '96 (Pt. 1, 2, & 3)

Band / Artist: K.Flay
Year: 2012
Genre: Alternative Hip-hop, Alternative Pop

My Review:

I Love K.Flay. She may not always have a coherent story in her songs, but she always cranks out a great beat, and the lyrics go to some of the most unexpected and unorthodox places. This is a series of mxtape EP's that are the newest collection of work she has cranked out. These take a step away from the “MASHed Potatoes” Mixtape, and is much more from scratch, or at least nothing on it registers as something I've heard before.

The set is made of 3 parts. Made and released one at a time. Each of the volumes has a music video.

The first is subtitled as "I Feel Nothing", started out the set on April 1, 2011.


The second, subtitled as "I Feel Everything", came out on April 15, 2011


The second, subtitled as "Everything is Nothing", polished it off on April 29, 2011.


It was a fast paced release schedule, and all of it comes together to make one great album. Normally I split my time between this and the Eyes Shut EP.

 Alright peoples. Go get the album, and have a good one.


K.Flay - I Stopped Caring in '96 (Pt. 1, 2, & 3)

Sasha Yeller - The Land With No Defects EP

Band / Artist: Sasha Yeller
Year: 2012
Genre: Tech-House, Ambient Techno

My Review:
During the early 90s, the techno, trance, and house movements were starting to come into their own, but had nearly a decade before they would mature into a solid entity, only to seemingly fizzle out of existence in the public realm, and be eaten and reused by many other genres and given little credit for the creativity they lend themselves toward.

But these early 90's explorations into electronica bore a ton of bands and engaging albums into the world, which still hold their own, especially in my collection. This harkens back to these seamlessly, while sounding very unique and fresh in its own right. It reminds me of mid 90's Orbital, Traci Lords, Utah Saints, and others, but more stripped down and with soft vocals layered throughout. Tracks are long, and help to evoke the trance element, giving you the urge to drink a little too much and dance with strangers in strangely lit rooms to it. I think this is a good quality.

There isn't much else to say about this one, because all I found for the musician was a Google+ page here. https://plus.google.com/113896913755414679771/posts

As always, hope you enjoy.

Sasha Yeller - The Land With No Defects EP

Sunny Jain's Red Baraat Festival - Live on WFMU's Transpacific Sound Paradise broadcast from Barbes, Sep. 13 2008

Band / Artist: Sunny Jain's Red Baraat Festival
Year: 2008
Genre: Brass band, Indian, Dance, Jazz

My Review:
A wonderfully bright and lively album. Sunny Jain's Red Baraat Festival is a Brooklyn Indian brass band. Coming off of the carnival season in New Orleans, Brass bands are a great thing to hear from outside Louisiana. From what I get, Sunny Jain is the percussionist, who does his own solo work, and decided to bring the band together.

Here's his solo site.
http://www.sunnyjain.com/

And here's the band site.
http://www.redbaraat.com/flash.html

A mix of New Orleans brass band sound (like you'd hear in the Treme), with Indian and Balkan street band sounds. Its good for a little street party, or it might be awesome for a little bit of an international flavor at a bar. Enjoy.

Sunny Jain's Red Baraat Festival - Live on WFMU's Transpacific Sound Paradise broadcast from Barbes, Sep. 13 2008

Free Singles - MORBIDTWATT, Myron & E, Andy Iona, Magnifico, K.Flay Feat. Felix Cartal

MORBIDTWATT

There was a funny-ish backstory to me finding this musician, but it wouldn't be in best service to him to tell it to you. Suffice it to say, art and life are rarely on the same level. He makes dark industrial music with a lot of techno influence, much of it utilizing string soundscapes. This is a link to all of his soundcloud tracks, as he offers them all up for free.

Myron & E - If I Gave You My Love

This is a soft, Motown-ish sort of track, that has a good amount of horns. It'd be good for dancing or.. ahem.. more private activities..

They do music with a group called  Soul Investigators, and the two just joined up to make a debut album on their new record label, Stones Throw. The new album is called Broadway, and it'll be out in July.

Andy Iona - Pretty Red Hibiscus & Naughty Hula Eyes

You know, that photo is just a tad creepy to me. Nevertheless, these songs are soft, melodic ukelele songs from long ago, which both are pleasing to listen to or to play for a significant other when you're being cute. Both of these fall into the public domain, as does most of his music I believe.

Andy Iona lived from 1902 to 1966, and mostle released music as "Andy Iona and his Islanders". He was noted as being one of Hawaii's most influential musicians, and somewhere out there is a boxed set of his work that has 112 tracks on it.

Magnifico - Ubic‡u Te

A guy from Yugoslavia. He's been getting big there, and has starred in a few Slovenian movies, as well as releasing a number of albums since 92. This track is from 2011.Its kind of like a cross of Latin dance (like salsa and such) with a bit of dub effects, and a few flares of that eastern European horn playing that I've started to notice is common. Its pretty great, even though I have no idea what he's saying.

K.Flay Feat. Felix Cartal - Rest Your Mind

You know where this is going. Its dancey technoish hiphop. This time there was a long backstory. Here it goes...







..and thats it. I like this one more than some of the softer stuff. It makes me wiggle my ass.

Ralp - Fuldatax

Band / Artist: Ralp
Year: 2011
Genre: Chiptune, Glitch, Hardcore Techno

My Review:

This is a man from Barcelona. He makes interesting things involving chiptune and breakcore. For this album he mixes chiptune with very aggressive, abrasive versions of techno and other. Its a very minimal instrument set. It probably isn't everyones cup of tea, but my goal is to share as much stuff as I can of different types, and this one was different.

If you like some old streets of rage type games for their music, then this might grow on you. If you are a fan of gabber, you may also enjoy it. 

Ralp - Fuldatax

Nac/Hut Report - Junkstarrr/Bright Future, 9th Overflowing​.​.​.​Milky Slaughterhouse​.​.​.​Dream Of Incubator

Band / Artist: Nac/Hut Report
Year: 2013
Genre:

My Review:
I have been woefully behind on loving music the last few weeks. Mostly because I got an awesome new job and I'm thrilled and insanely stressed all at once. Today was the first moment I started to feel a little bit like my squirrely self since probably last Sunday. So since I have a few minutes to get my music love on, I looked back through my emails.

And I found this.

I’m Jadwiga Tabaczynska of Double Hallucinative records. We’re a small, new-born, underground label from Poland. We would be glad if you could review our new release “Angel-like Contraction Reverse” Lp by the Italian-polish experimental duo Nac/Hut Report, or even just post on Jumbly Music the link for their Free-download Promotional Single “Junkstarrr/Bright Future”.

Its post industrial. The music has a really strange grindy sound, with soft vocals and guitar layered on top. I was imagining that it would be a much darker sound when I first looked at it, but it seems much more positive, like coming outside after a serious disaster, and feeling hope that you survived and can rebuild. (I don't know, its what came to mind.) Its short and sweet, with a bitter, abrasive side to it.

Nac/Hut Report - Junkstarrr/Bright Future


Also by them, I'm sharing this longer, older album, "9th Overflowing​.​.​.​Milky Slaughterhouse​.​.​.​Dream Of Incubator"

This one is a darker, more droning sound, which I liked less, but is more experimental and industrial in a lot of ways. Alright, well I hope everyone is doing great, I'll have some more stuff for you soon.

Nac/Hut Report - 9th Overflowing​.​.​.​Milky Slaughterhouse​.​.​.​Dream Of Incubator

The Popovers - Make It So!

Band / Artist:  The Popovers
Year: 2011
Genre: Powerpop, Pop Rock

My Review:
The popover is an American version of Yorkshire pudding and similar batter puddings made in England since the 17th century, though it has evolved considerably.

The Popovers were a bedroom band that you might have even heard before, assuming you've listened to The Savage Lovecast, the weekly sex advice podcast. They were also working on a video series on Youtube called Often Awesome, which also started the whole organization. The focus of the organization, to help educate and find a cure for Lou Gehrig's Disease. This is their website.

http://www.oftenawesome.org/

The lead male singer that you hear passed away at the beginning of 2012. He had been suffering from the disease for quite a while. The Popovers album is still provided by the Often Awesome group for free, though they hope that you'll donate a little to the organization and help fight against ALS.

As far as the music review, this is a lively, poppy, lo-fi sort of sound. Its got a lot going on, and it has a really good lyrical quality to it. They like to talk about simpler things, such as two people bitching at each other about the annoying bits in their relationship, or nosy assholes that always have something to say about your business when its obviously none of theirs.  Really lively and entertaining little album, thats really great.

The Popovers - Make It So!

Dudley Whitemud - Dudley Whitemud Sings Selections From Aqua's Aquarium

Band / Artist: Dudley Whitemud
Year: 2012
Genre: Acoustic, Indie Folk, Alternative Pop

My Review:
An acoustic album... of Aqua covers. Yep. I played this for a friend that really likes folksy acoustic stuff, and she was really enjoying it without expecting what it was, until he said "I'm a barbie girl". She laughed, said "OHHHH", paused, and then said "This is pretty awesome though."

Thats a good sentiment for it. The same goofy subjects from that 90's goofball pop album, but taken to a different context, with a very pleasant outcome. The songs come off as sort of reverent in some ways, while working well as a fairly non-intrusive background music for when you really just need something playing, and you get the benefit of eliciting a chuckle from a friend who just happens to catch on to the lyrics.

Unfortunately I don't know a whole lot else about the guy/band. I looked for a while but I wasn't getting much more than a dead link to the record label that originally did the recording. Well, I did find SOMETHING, but I'm gonna be a dickish lad and not share it just yet. Don't fret though, you'll see what it is soon.

I did find the artist that made the cover though. Here's his blog.
http://pearlymoustache.tumblr.com/

So all in all, I rated this as one of my top 10 finds of last year, which sounds dumb as hell before you listen to it. Hopefully you agree that it was worth the listen. I like listening while I mow the neighbors lawn.

Dudley Whitemud - Dudley Whitemud Sings Selections From Aqua's Aquarium

Lomov - Free Port

Band / Artist: Lomov
Year: 2004
Genre: Ambient Techno, Minimal

My Review:
I had no idea that the label this was posted under had closed down. I'm really sad to see that. I've had this album for almost 8 years, and I've listened to it for so long that it feels like a glass of milk & honey for my ears, smooth, and calming, settling me in so nicely. It works really well as a sleeping album too.

So first I'll talk about what I know about the musician. His name is Axel Bergk. He lives in Hanover Germany. He started making music and made his own collaborative label, Stadtgruen. He was very prolific from 2004 until around 2008, and then I'm not quite sure what happened. I had been in contact with him at one point, and he gave me the chance to use some of his music in an early prototype of a flash game that my team was working on. He was very generous, and I am forever appreciative for it.

The album itself is all based around the idea of a port, and a conputer. The mixture of digital clicks and beeps, with the ambience of a somewhat sparse industrial setting makes for a pretty great minimalist album, falling somewhere between a droning ambient, and the most minimalist of microhouse. I've loved it for years.

Lomov - Free Port

Talking Heads: Live at Wembley Arena, 1982 / Psycho Killers - Live at Recher Theatre, 2010

Band / Artist: Talking Heads, Psycho Killers
Year: 1982, 2010
Genre: New wave, Post-Punk, Dance Rock, Art Punk, Experimental Rock, Funk, Covers

My Review:


Happy sunday. A friend shared a video of Talking Heads playing a live gig in Rome in 1980, and so I decided to look around for a little bit to see what other videos there might be for them out there. This is one part video art montage, and one part live show by the band. Its a nice way to spend my day amidst the weekend of rain we're having here.

Also, because I'm in a mood. Here's a public domain release from Psycho Killers, A Talking Heads cover band playing live. Its pretty grand for covers. They have a bit of their own sound, and make a pretty smooth sounding cover set.

Psycho Killers: Tribute to Talking Heads - Stop Making Sense at Recher Theatre 2010-26-11

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Free Singles - Danny Brown Vs K.Flay, Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra, Goldroom, Voicians, Bro Safari

K.Flay & Danny Brown - Party All The Time

Another track from K.Flay. Good, chill, hiphop with a sound that I enjoy. Not a lot else to say, it starts a little weird, and then gets really good about halfway in. I'm not sure what else to say. If you like K.Flay, then you'll enjoy this. If you don't know who that is, then you need to do a search of the archives.

Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra - Frisco Fog

Jimmie Lunceford and his Orchestra perform "'Frisco Fog", a futuristic "Descriptive Instrumental" dating from November 5, 1937. From the original 78rpm disk.

This one is neat. Its futuristic jazz,.. from the Thirties. There is a really pleasant improvisation in it, with a sound that I can only describe as oddly wonderful or wonderfully odd. There is a great feel in the winding rhythm of its Big Band orchestra. This one is in the public domian, obviously, because Mr. Lunceford died (of what may have been a poisoning) in 1947. He's buried in Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis, TN. He also has a brass note dedicated to him on Beale St.

Goldroom - Solé Fixtape Vol. 7

Solé likes to get people interested in music. It may be a marketing ploy, but that is completely fine with me. A mixtape is wonderful.

A Bike-Style Company. Join the family at: www.solebicycles.com

THEY SELL FIXED SPEEDS, SO ITS CALLED A FIXTAPE. GET IT? IT'S A PUN. Anyway, Goldroom is a fun DJ. This is a pretty chill dancey mixtape, something that people who are really into the Drive soundtrack would love. You have to "like" their stuff on facebook to get access to all of the fixtapes, but its worth it. If you just cant be bothered though, then you should go here.

Voicians - Ultimate Riot
This has a definite "Prodigy" sound, mixed with just a bit of electro, and a bit of celldweller-style industrial rock on top of it. Its really driving dance song. Maybe a little bit "The Matrix 2010", but thats my kind of dance music.

Dan Voicians is from Stuttgart Germany, a city that I spent a night in with some strangers who were kind enough to transport me from a very rape-space-y train station an hour away that I got left at. I wish I still had their email addresses. I digress. This guy is young, and he has some talent. Here's his facebook. You should look for more of his stuff there.

https://www.facebook.com/Voicians

Bro Safari - That A$$

Its Miami Bass. Its Trap. Its Bounce. It's from a Drum & Bass veteran named Knick. It's got a hilarious cover shot.. Its how I'm ending this singles post.

If anyone has some cool ones they've found, they should definitely share them in the comments. Otherwise, you all have a good weekend.

The Queenstons - Figurehead Remastered

Band / Artist: The Queenstons
Year: 2011
Genre: Drum & Bass, Dubstep, Electronica, Breakbeat, Jungle

My Review:
Ok, so the label is called Lapfox, or Lapfox Trax. And I guess its one guy (Renard Queenston) doing many different styles under different aliases? I don't really know. I couldn't give two shits though, because its some really decent music. He even made a little promo video for it coming out.



The first version of this album came out a few years ago, a drum & bass anthem album for the most part. Some very game-y sounding moments here and there. The Original was not available for free, but the remastered version, which sounds more clean and full, is. This has a pretty huge number of additional tracks, and it really pleased me to find it.

Fairly tuned voices, sound like they were recording on shitty mics but they did a very good job of masking it and presenting something that comes together as solid as a marble. A pretty professional sounding album that makes for a great listen,  especially if you like Dieselboy, BT, and AK1200, or Paul Oakenfold and DJ Keoki vocals. It feels like stepping back toward 2004 and getting a nostalgic look. There are definitely dubsteppy moments here and there, but they don't undermine the strength of this album overall.


I'd rank this at a rate high enough that it may be in my top 10 DnB albums now (yes I really do have more than that many, I really love techno). So give this a chance, and expect to see me sharing more from Lapfox in the future.

The Queenstons - Figurehead Remastered

(Special Post) - Murk Daddy Flex - Third Compilation

Band / Artist: Murk Daddy Flex
Year: 2013
Genre: Bastard Pop, Chillout, Hip-Hop Beats

My Review:

So here is a musician that I was really enjoying. When someone sends me an email with music to share it always makes me happy, and the fact that its almost all good music being sent to me makes me even happier. It shows me that the people out there making the music really do want you to like their stuff, and they want you to keep it not just because of it being free, but because you like it that much.

But anyway... meet Murk Daddy Flex. The name sounds silly, the song titles are funny in a random reference of passing moments sort of way. He's pretty humble about his work too.

I would just say experimental sample based hip hop. Honestly all I have is audacity and a guitar hero mic so I just splice things together from different sources and record melodies and bass(so there wouldn't be much to take pictures of).

 I'll review below the interview.

_____________________________________

Jumbly Music: It's nice to meet you. How are you doing?

Murk Daddy Flex: It's nice to met you too. I'm doing well. My school is on spring break right now so its been nice and relaxing

Jumbly: So, whats your back story? Who all is in the group?

M D F: I was bored one day and started making beats really enjoyed it, and just kept doing that and here I am a year later. It's just me really.

Jumbly: Where are you from?

M D F: I was born in India, grew up in Cherry Hill, NJ, and moved to Georgia. I live in Athens cause I go to UGA.

Jumbly: Do you find it influences your style and your music much?

M D F: Haha, not really.

Jumbly: I would suppose there isn't a huge India, or New Jersey sound in there, but hell, inspiration comes from anywhere. Who makes your album art?

M D F: It's just pictures I find of tumblr so far, But for the next one, I'm getting my room mate and my other friend who are both artists to make something cool,

Jumbly: Do you tour much? Ever doing a tour through the US?

M D F: I'm only playing my first show on the 27th(opening for DJ Shadow), much less tour haha. Ideally, i would love to. I've gone on tour with my other band, and its a great way to see the country.

Jumbly: What way do you think is best to enjoy your music? Would you consider it good date music, driving music, chillout music, etc?

M D F: People have told me that its great chillout music. Personally i think it'd be best to listen to while walking.

Jumbly: Do you like giving away your music for free? Do you hope to continue or would you rather move to a pay system?

M D F: I do enjoy giving music away for free. At this point it's just more about trying to gain exposure. I would like to continure releasing music on a donations based system, and hopefully make some money by leasing beats and selling physical copies.

Jumbly: Do you have any sounds/ bands/ or pieces of art that you admire or try to emulate with your music?

M D F: I find myself really influenced by nujabes. Thats what got me into intrumental hip hop in teh first place. I also find myself really influenced by music outside the genre. For example, the band title fight, has perfect song structures and transitions that i try to emulate.

Jumbly: If anyone wanted to do a collaboration with you, would you be interested?

M D F: Yes, I would love to.

Jumbly: How should they get in touch with you?

M D F: My email is terry504@uga.edu
or just on facebook im not picky

Jumbly: What kinds of projects do you really want to do in the future?

M D F: At the moment I'm working on a collab with Jubee of Jubee and the morning after so that should be out in the near future, but other than that, I really havent given it much thought

Jumbly: Are there any bands on here that you're into currently? What do you think they did right, or should change in their follow-up?

M D F: I really liked Title Fight's most recent release, Floral Green. They have some of the best song structures and all of their parts last for the perfect amount of time. Gold Panda is really cool too. The way he uses samples is great.

Jumbly: Do you follow the blog? What would you like to see more of? Or any suggestions?

M D F: I have checked it out and I think its great. It's awesome to have a place for free music that is good. It has everything that a standard bog should. Maybe more youtube videos? because those are a really easy way to check out a band or artist, but I know thats not always available.

Jumbly: I've been toying with the Youtube idea. Sometimes its easy to do, other times I figure I should spend the extra time writing up reviews for other bands or getting together more singles. I'm glad you like the blog though, I sure as hell like your work.

Do you know any other great sites that people should check out? What about any other bands?

M D F: some bands that I think are good:
Pygmy lush
Cerce
Cara Beth Satalino
Nujabes
Lemuria
Dead in the Dirt

Jumbly: Thanks a bunch for sharing your music with me.
I have one last question. What special skills do you have? Can you fix a car, or make your own whiskey?

M D F: haha I'm not very skilled in useful things. Lets see, I can skip a rock pretty well and I'm also pretty good at the game cornhole.

_____________________________

..and we end an interview with the word cornhole. My childhood immaturity rears its ugly head.

Okay so the music. He says hiphop. I almost completely disagree. It has an element that reminds me of Pogo, with the whispery soft voices of people used as an instrument by being chopped and layered.

You may think you're in for this

But really its more of this.

I have enjoyed this stuff as chillout music for a few weeks while settling into some new roles in my life. (Its why the blog has been a little more slow recently.) It has such a jazzy element, and a feel of old musicals and film scores, it just has done wonders giving me something soft to turn back to when I'm too busy to think. You really should check his stuff out.

Murk Daddy Flex - Third Compilation

Wiccans - Field II LP

Band / Artist: Wiccans
Year: 2012
Genre: Punk, Hardcore

My Review:
Hot DAMN, I was not expecting the balls on this one. Its MEAN, in a really good way. I saw the name Wiccans, and thought it'd be kind of a more mellow thing, but it is very strong hardcore punk with a taste of metal  and some old southerner rock in there.

A little about the band. They are a 5 member hardcore band out of Denton, Texas (near Dallas). They are using 3 labels; Hardware, Pass Judgement, and a new favorite, Kartoga Works. Here's their Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/wiccanspunk

It has moments that sound like the Blue Oyster Cult, and then a vocalist that makes me think of a young frontrunner to Fear Factory. All together, it makes for a nice, somewhat short, but overall very satisfying album to grab. Big thanks to Kartoga Works for being such a badass record label.

Wiccans - Field II LP

*Edit; Kartoga has their site down for some upgrades, so I redirected through to their release message on icoulddietomorrow, another music blog*

Low Leaf - Alchemizing Dawn

Band / Artist: Low Leaf
Year: 2012
Genre: Harps, Dream Pop, Indie pop, Electronic, Neo-Soul

My Review:
This one sounds very similar to Little Dragon, but with more of a focus on analogue instruments, and a less funk-oriented sound (or at least depending on the track). The mixture of hip-hip, harp soundscapes, indie pop,and dream pop has apparently picked up the name Neo-Soul? It has melody and a good sound that I enjoyed enough to hunt down more.


 

Low Leaf is just one lady, and shes got really talented hands. Seriously, I would love to see her play live with all the skill she's been able to have while freestyling. She's also big into style and art, and so like all arty-style people, she's got a Tumblr account.

http://lowleaf.tumblr.com/

And I don't much like myself for doing this, because looks and music really should not be involved with one another, and it's easy to see this as demeaning....  but she is so cute.

Sorry, sorry. I digress. Here's her facebook profile.
https://www.facebook.com/eatLowLeaf 

And now, go check out the album

Low Leaf - Alchemizing Dawn

Free Studio Givaway: SALT Motion Picture Soundtrack

Band / Artist:James Newton Howard
Year: 2010
Genre: Film Score, Soundtrack

My Review:
SO excited that I could get to do this, especially since the blog still hasn't hit its 1 year mark yet. I've been chatting with some really interesting people over the course of the last two months, and I wanted to make some big things happen on this blog as much as possible.

One group I ended up in touch with was a pretty huge studio name, Remote Control Studios. They gave me a starter to see how well the attention I'd get from it was. LO AND BEHOLD, that starter is from James Newton Howard, who helped score The Dark Knight, The Hunger Games, Waterworld.. I'm very humbled and impressed. So what exactly would they give me? It all ties back to that lovely Angelina Jolie. Here's the simple IMDB page.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944835/

This is a spy thriller through and through, with lots of action sequences, and the score reflects that. Its a mix of techno and orchestral pieces, that I really thought was under-appreciated by a lot of people.

So the hope is that enough people come through the site that the recording studio gets attention for giving away a soundtrack from a few years ago, and they in turn, spread my blog to other studios along with a good word. If that happens, who knows what kinds of artists might start giving away free music here! I'm so freaking excited I can't even begin to tell you.

So without any further bantering, I hope that you LOVE this one enough to share it with your friends.

SALT Motion Picture Soundtrack by James Newton Howard