VDAY MIXTAPES

So, last year I had a bit of a hiccup in sharing mixtapes, mostly being that I didn't give a fuck about making anyone Valentines day mixtapes.

I'll take that back partly. I had one done, and another halfway done. SO, what do you do when you're far more interested in the crazy around you but you have a tradition to uphold? You put it off till next year!

Anyway, here they come in 2 posts.

And. - Dans

Band / Artist: And.
Year: 2013
Genre: Chiptune, Breakcore, Jungle


My Review:
This one is super catchy chiptuney breakcore. The tracks all seemed to have been started out as full chiptune compositions and then warped and layered with breaks and glitchy drum tracks.

And. is a musician out of the UK.he has a myspace here.

It's a good middle Ground between what Ralp and Psilodump have made that I've shared here, being very game-ish and jungle. If you like dancey gamey breakcore, then I can't see you disliking it. I've missed sharing a lot of weird lately.


And. - Dans

The Melker Project - Ballin' Oates

Band / Artist: The Melker Project
Year: 2013
Genre: Mashup, Bastard Pop, Rap, Alternative Hip-Hop

My Review:
I completely forgot this one! Man i love it. I jammed to this for weeks around last Christmas and forgot to make a review. Take Hall & Oates, and add hiphop & rap. Its so so good, and I helped make a small war between lovers with this album. Worth it.

Gonna let you do more searching on your own this time. See you next time around.


The Melker Project - Ballin' Oates

Sound Awakener - Five Chapters

Band / Artist: Sound Awakener
Year: 2014
Genre: Dark Ambient, Free Jazz, Modern Classical, Experimental, Field Recordings

My Review:
*EDIT - I'm a twat, and forgot to ask, Nhung is female. All gender references have been changed. Sorry!*

Today's artist of note is Sound Awakener. I got an email from her right before the new year. She lives in Vietnam, and makes ambient, experimental style field recordings with piano. She describes it this way.

Five improvisations recorded on upright acoustic piano. Each piece has a really extinctive character .Vibrate has layers of reverb and exteneded techniques on piano string. Gather Eternity has loud hiss noise and distorted sound. Gallery of emptyness is sort of a lo - fi recording. Remembering all passing things and Untold are a mix of piano chords and field recordings.
"Five Chapters" refers to the endless search in life.

Here's the interview that we had.

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

Nhung Nguyễn : I’m doing good. Thank you. Things are getting musicaly marvelous for me.

Jumbly: So, whats your back story?

Nhung :  My musical journey started in 2002 when I began taking private classical piano lessons. The training ended in 2007 and since then I have been developing my own techniques and focusing on composition and improvisation.
In 2011 I started my solo musical project - Sound Awakener but no material was released until 2014. My aim is to live with the sonic journey as close as possible. It has always been a natural process.

Jumbly: Where are you from?

Nhung : I was born and now living in Hanoi, Vietnam.

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

Nhung : Obviously it does. The city is full of thousands types of sounds. That’s why I use a lot of field recordings from everyday life in my music. To be more specific, in “Five Chapters”, there are field recordings from streets and restaurants.

Jumbly: Who makes your album art?

Nhung : Right now my album artworks are stock photos and each of them connects strongly to my music. I hope in the future I’ll invite someone to work with me on that aspect.

Jumbly: What way do you think is best to enjoy your music?

Nhung : The best way is to enjoy with an empty mind.

Jumbly: What would you say is your favorite thing you've done?

Nhung : Interesting question. My favortie thing I’ve done is the thing I do everyday – appreciating and collecting sounds.

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

Nhung : I like giving it for free when I feel I need to do that. I have some for free on my Bandcamp page and actually “Five Chapters” is free too. But I also have some paid ones  – honestly I need to support myself financially.

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

Nhung : I’m always open to collaboration.

Jumbly: How should they get in touch with you?

Nhung : The best way is to fill out the contact form on my website (http://soundawakener.weebly.com/contact.html) or the contact form on my Bandcamp page (soundawakener.bandcamp.com)

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

Nhung : I really want to focus on making music for moving images and installations. Of course other forms still interest me.

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

Nhung : I’ve been following the blog since June and I much enjoy the content. One thing I would like to see is more interviews of artists

Jumbly: Do you know any other great sites that people should check out?

Nhung : Haha, this is self – promotion : I have a pretty private music blog called Cánh đồng âm nhạc (Vietnamese, which means “Field of music” in English) (http://canhdongamnhac.weebly.com/ ). The reason I write it in Vietnamese is that there are few music blogs here, especially for genres like ambient/experimental or even classical music.

Jumbly: Thanks for sharing your music with me.
I have one last question. What is the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?

Nhung : The most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen hmmm is maybe the calm sea in Đà Nẵng (it is a city in the central of Vietnam, which I’ve visited twice) Thank you so much for the great talk! 

Here are some other places that she shared with me to check out
Facebook page
Soundcloud
Youtube

Alright, enjoy it.

Sound Awakener - Five Chapters

Volcanoes - Future Sorority Girls of America

Band / Artist: Volcanoes
Year: 2014
Genre: Punk, Thrash Metal, Noise Rock, Dance Rock

My Review:
Afternoon Records is their label. They live in St Louis. They erupt music. Punny punny punk.

Okay so they make a fest, thrashy, gritty sound that makes me imagine that their shows have a lot of moshing or jumping around. The use of synth is great, because it's more grimy than I'd expect.

I found their band site here.

And I got their facebook here.

I'm out. enjoy some punk.

Volcanoes - Future Sorority Girls of America

Bitbasic - Leonard

Band / Artist: Bitbasic
Year: 2009
Genre: IDM, Electronica, Shoegaze, Ambient Techno

My Review:
He brought you Meek, and I liked it, so I'll just pretend that you did too.

This one has some similarities, and keeps his sense of style, but is an obviously different approach to making an album. He made the whole thing in one month. ONE. I'm very impressed. Its so polished, and has so many good parts. I like to think of it as easy listening for the weirdos and people who get bored by easy listening.

I hope you get a kick out of this one. Bitbasic is London-based electronica artist Simon Haycock. I'm hoping that one day I get to chat with this fellow.

Enjoy!

Bitbasic - Leonard

Youniverse - Dirty American

Band / Artist: Youniverse
Year: 2010
Genre: Indie Rock, Alt Rock

My Review:
I have held off on this album mostly due to forgetfulness, but this is actually the album that started me down the path of sharing free music I had been finding. They are great. In 2010, I was out at a bar in Memphis TN with my girlfriend of the time, and heard that a band was about to play, and that their guitarist was turning 18 that day. I figured, hell, why not?

They had a good sound, which the bar did not showcase well. They told me afterward that they were using bandcamp to share their first album. I had never heard of bandcamp before, so I checked it out, and since then, it has become a mainstay of the indie music world.

Here is the facebook page they have going, but nobody has posted on it since 2012.

Hopefully they come back around one day.

Youniverse - Dirty American

Mishka - Surf & Turf

Band / Artist: Various Artists
Year: 2014
Genre: Hip-Hop Beats, Trap, Dubstep, Chillstep, Trip Hop, Chillout

My Review:
Miska can be really hit or miss for me. This time around, I'm pretty happy with what they offered to the world. It's a great mix. Mishka is a New York fashion/anti-fashion label, that supports some really varied sets of music. This is their self description;

A New York City fixture since 2003, Мишка (“Mishka,” or “bear cub” in Russian) clawed their own path through the often homogenous streetwear world, beginning humbly as a small t-shirt upstart and maturing into a full blown cut & sew powerhouse.

Find them here.


Surf & Turf are hiphop/trap/dubstep/triphop blends that work really well as the music for your chill tent at a party, or as something to play in the background during that fancy soiree that you put on, so you can prove that you're hip, and know a lot of cool underground shit out of new york. That sounds like a total jerk description, but I've been driving around listening to these, and its really a good set mixes.

Mishka - Surf 

Mishka - Turf
 

Howler Toad - Lickin' The Toad

Band / Artist: Howler Toad
Year: 2009
Genre: Stoner Rock, Prog Rock, Rock

My Review:
You'd think that this was going to be something completely different than it is. My first thought was it would be some laid back, long form prog rock. It isn't, by any means. This album is very driven. Its got a hard rock punch to it, that I would easily see myself going pretty crazy at a concert with. Maybe even hitting up the mosh pit.

Howler Toad comes out of Barcelona, Spain, and they may have broken up. I can't find much information for them, and their myspace page is shut down. I am sure to keep an eye out for new albums from them, because this really is a good band, one that I would love to see touring.

Since I can't find any more details for them, I'll just leave it there.

Howler Toad - Lickin' The Toad

_yi. - Irasshaimase & Sayonara EP

 

Band / Artist: _yi.
Year: 2014
Genre: Glitch, Funk Techno, Breaks

My Review:

MERRY CRHIRSTMARS

A short, sweet EP from the same guy that brought you a longer one not too long ago.


Much like the last one, this is a funky, dancy progression of bleeps and bloops and songs that were decimated to make all of the right sounds to go in just the right places. I like this guy, and I hope he keeps doing his thing, because it keeps me dancing in my car.

If you dig this, make sure to go on to listen to his new album, IDEO-POP!, which he is selling for 5 bucks.


_yi. - Irasshaimase & Sayonara EP

Harvey Danger - Dead Sea Scrolls

Band / Artist: Harvey Danger
Year: 2009
Genre: Alternative Rock, Rock

My Review:
A collection of B-sides, rarities, and live recordings sold exclusively on the band's final tour dates.

Its a great album of tracks, and really shouldn't be missed out on. They actually keep the albums available from their website, or by torrent. You should consider throwing down a buck or two to cover the hosting costs by clicking here. I tossed down 5 bucks to them, because I loved them.

I just shared Harvey Danger a little bit ago, so i dont think we need much more description. just go enjoy it.

Harvey Danger -  Dead Sea Scrolls

Aba Made Sound - Nu Afrobeat

Band / Artist: Aba Made Sound
Year: 2012
Genre: Afrobeat, Funk, House

My Review:
Some strong groove, Some great shaking and moving.Its classically afrobeat. That sound that makes you think of the african funk era, just stripped down into something more streamlined and danceable.It sort of becomes this odd funky lounge-dance sound, which can be a great filler for a party at your house.

Since Afrobeat isn't too widespread in america, I'll share a chunk of description from Wikipedia;

Afrobeat is a combination of traditional Nigerian and Ghanaian music, jazz, highlife, funk, and chanted vocals,fused with percussion and vocal styles, popularised in Africa in the 1970s. 

This album is created by a group of musicians out of Turin, Italy. Most notabley is Cyberdread who made all of the sampling work come together. Its a good, lively album of longer pieces with lots of cowbell, hand drums, vocal samples, horns. It mixes lo-fi and hi-fi really smoothly, and gives you something that is just engaging enough to make things have an aire of action, while being relaxing at the same time.

Aba Made Sound - Nu Afrobeat

TickTockMan - Faded Shapes

Band / Artist: TickTockMan
Year:2014
Genre: Future Punk, Alternative Rock, Prog Rock

My Review:
Like Mars Volta? You should take the chance to hear TickTockMan.

I'm not going to say that they are a direct copy. They aren't. They play a softer, more simple, less frantic version of the type of sound that you hear in a Mars Volta album. The singer also sings in a much more "plain" register, without hitting the very-high-pitch that the singer of Mars Volta does. Also, did you know that this subgenre of music is called "Future punk"? What the hell does that mean?

The band is out of Seattle, and has been around since 2009. Their name seems to directly reference a short story ("Repent, Harlequin!' Said the Ticktockman") by a science fiction author Harlan Ellison. My favorite tracks on this album are probably "Pull & Fire" and "Cracked", while "Might Explode" is definitely another that really rings out for the album.




I've had music from TickTockMan for a while, catching an old EP from them that i was considering sharing, but didn't really have the time. I'm really enjoying this one. Not so much as a driving album for in the city, but maybe out on a longer highway drive. It works pretty well as music to work to.

TickTockMan - Faded Shapes

(Not Music) David Gallaher & Steve Ellis - The Only Living Boy: Books 1, 2, & 3

This one is a little off topic, but I figured it would be worth a share.

Enjoy the written stories of a boy with a sword in a world with no people, and dinosaurs apparently.

I'm not going to go on much, just say that it is a set of free graphic novels, and I like free. If you like comics, then go grab them up.


David Gallaher & Steve Ellis - The Only Living Boy: Books 1, 2, & 3



If that struck your fancy, then consider these.

Eddie Wright - Tyranny of the Muse

Eric Palicki - Red Angel Dragnet

Microbit Project - White Deaf Cat

Band / Artist: Microbit Project
Year: Recorded 2012, Released 2014
Genre: Ambient Techno, Lo-Fi, IDM

My Review:
A sweet, soft, Lo-Fi album of chiptuney IDM type stuff. it has a lot of synth Theramin sounds. Its very melodic, and leaves you in a peaceful place overall. The label released a long post with the album, so here it is.

Microbit Project is a music project by EugenKha.
One of the most creative melodic music producers among poets, and audio explores that puts Russia high up on the underground map of prettiness!

He debuts a very beautiful release on L0bit, delivering all round electronic sweetness. It's something that you will like when you are into good friendly vibes,  that put 'easy listening' way up to to the forefront.

an album about a pretty 'White Deaf Cat' celebrated with lovable melodies, petite cuteness and friendly vibes. Something so adorable that you might scratch your head how on earth this release could be delivered for free! But that was written in the will of the deaf white cat, that this music would be out there for everyone to enjoy, to be cherished and loved!

And for sure this release is all about love! every note you hear, perfectly captured in this ultra friendly sound. These cute music lines that makes you feel like stroking the soft fur of a white deaf cat. It's of grotesque beauty and yet so microscopic small that it will fit in your smallest pocket.

The release comes with two remixes for everyone who just can't get enough of this album! And L0bit assures you, you can't get enough of this album!

Alright, well, go enjoy.

Microbit Project - White Deaf Cat

Harvey Danger - Little By Little

Band / Artist: Harvey Danger
Year: 2007
Genre: Alternative

My Review:
I listened the hell out of Harvey Danger when I was about 16 and onward. Where have all the merry makers gone was an amazing album, that was as moving and thought provoking as it was driven. I love the way that this band has played out their lyrics. I strongly encourage you to listen to them if you never have.

Anyway, Harvey Danger released 2 albums and played on a fair number of soundtracks before they reached this album. by the end of their time recording it, they agreed to try something different with their last fruit of their labor, and then broke up as a band. This was the message that they sent out from their website.

We are offering the entirety of our third album, Little by Little..., as a free download (if you're curious why we're doing this, you can read our reasons here).

We have included a mini-website that contains album artwork, liner notes, etc. along with the music. The entire thing is zipped up into a single file for easier downloading. After you get the file, just unzip the file and you should find everything you need.

If you like what you hear and you want to support us, consider making a small contribution.

Mostly, nobody knew about this album, so i stumbled across it by chance, and have been playing it here and there ever since. Its a very worthwhile album to give a try, and I don't think I've ever met anyone who didn't at least enjoy it a little bit. Here's a sample song from it, and a personal favorite



Alright, happy downloading.

Harvey Danger - Little By Little (MP3)

Harvey Danger - Little By Little (OGG)

([not music]) SIDNEY BREYER IS ALIVE

Okay, Jumbly Music is back online. Sorry about the delay.

We have some new things coming in, and a full schedule that should be taking us all the way to Valentines without slowing down. I'm excited for it. Hopefully we can share some new special things as well.

Alright well, I'm gonna have a post go up today, and then we will start the regular rotation from today. If you have anything special to request, go for it. I'd love to see what comes back.

Majorka - Self Titled

Band / Artist: Majorka
Year: 2014
Genre: Lo-fi, Indie, Post-Rock, Dark Psychedelic

My Review:
I stumbled across this album while lurking on forums, and listened through it for hours. Majorka is Chris Petry “Petry”on Guitar, Bass, Synth, Vocals, and some Mastering, and Blake Hill “Vulgaris” Vulgaris on Drums and Mastering. I didn't know they were in Beaufort SC, but I'm sad that I never met them while I was in Savannah.

So this is how they describe themselves. 

Majorka is a dark psychedelic band from Beaufort, South Carolina, made up with atmospheric tones and deep lyrics.

I have been loving this album, it was humble and melodic. If I'm gonna try to describe it, I'd say it is reminiscent of the softer parts of the latest 2 Tool albums, as well as a bit of the acoustic, folk sound that I've shared in things like Connor Bird's album, Where Winter Hides. Its a creative mix, and I wholly support you supporting them if you like this, by going to their website a chipping them a buck or two, or buying the physical signed cd.

You can see their website here.

Alright, well I hope you enjoy this as much as I have.

Majorka - Self-Titled

Sufjan Stevens - Enjoy your rabbit

 

Band / Artist: Sufjan Stevens
Year: 2001
Genre: Experimental, Orchestral, Glitch

My Review:
I LOVE THIS ALBUM.

This is before the Sufjan (Soof-Yahn?) that people know a lot about. This was an orchestral sounding album, made of digital glitches and bleeps along with a myriad of other sounds.

I had heard his Michigan & Illinois albums, which I liked, but when I heard this, I was at awe. Was this really the same guy? Why make something so different? What was it about?

The whole concept is the chinese zodiac, and each animal has its own year, with a little play on the outer fringes to make it a little more his own.

I apologize about not really posting very regularly at the moment. I'm plotting out the way to make sure that i fix that for a long time coming, because I have a ton of gifts that I want to make for you. Thanks for sticking around, and please go right ahead and suggest other artists that you find and think would be a cool share.

ENJOY YOUR RABBIT.

Sufjan Stevens - Enjoy Your Rabbit

Mike Doughty - The Furthermost of Mike Doughty

Band / Artist: Mike Doughty
Year: 2014
Genre: Alternative, Alternative Pop, Acoustic

My Review:
Okay, So I was a HUGE Soul Coughing fan when I was 17 and onward to my 20s. I have never had a point in my life where I was fortunate enough to see them, and I guess now after hearing how horrible it was for the members, I'm sort of melancholy that a band with that much talent had to be so toxic.

Either way, Mike Doughty survived, and now he's out in the world, making music and finding happiness, which is great for him, since everyone needs a little from time to time.

If you've never heard anything from these musicians before, then this is the perfect starter for you, and I think you should get it now.

Mike Doughty - The Furthermost of Mike Doughty