Spotlight On: Introduction/Astronautalis

Hey folks. So as I thought would happen, my schedule has pushed my posting into the land of infrequency. But that’s OK, as this was expected. I’m still working my way through the best of last year and pretty soon I’ll start tackling albums from this year. But first, something new.

The subtitle of this blog is “The Art Of Music Curation In Action.” What I want this blog to be is something very simple: a place where you, my friend or random person, can come and look around at what music I think is good or important enough to share with you. Not a day goes by where I do not think something along these lines: “I think that (name of friend) would really dig (name of artist)” or “It’s a shame more people don’t like (name of band.)” So to that end, this still new blog.

The whole purpose is to provide my friends with a place to come and check out new stuff, because I know that for most people, finding new music takes a lot more time and energy than it does for me. I’m not doing music news, or even just new albums and with that in mind, I’d like to start a new series of posts called “Spotlight On.” The purpose of this series will be to highlight artists I like and think you should know, not necessarily just one of their individual albums, but them as a whole, their body of work or just a couple songs I think everyone should hear.

So that’s basically it. I hope you enjoy this series and maybe find something new you like because of it. And to get the ball rolling, allow me to shine the spotlight on:

Astronautalis

When Hip-Hop was first birthed, I sincerely doubt it ever was ever envisioned that a man like Astronautalis could ever exist. Born Charles Andrew Bothwell, Astronautalis began his career in music as a freestyling battle rapper, which is not something you would immediately guess hearing his music for the first time. In fact, hearing his music for the first time, you probably wouldn’t know exactly what to think… or what century you’re in. Gifted with a silvery tongue and quick-witted sense of story, Astronautalis fashions a kind of music that at one time sounds totally anachronistic and yet thoroughly modern. After all, this is technically Hip-Hop, but it doesn’t sound like it. It sounds old. But not like old Hip-Hop. Just old.

Astronautalis’ is something of a Blues man when it comes to story if not structure. Either that, or he’s a con man that’s just grabbed the bag of money and left you with the blood on your hands when the sheriff shows up to arrest you both. Further more, there’s no proof that he was ever there at all. That’s a sample of the world you enter when listening to his music. Astronautalis could be called the Tom Waits of Hip-Hop, in that his music eclectically fuses elements of Americana, Folk and Nick Cave-like storytelling with crackly vinyl beats. He may not have the robust growl that Waits posses, but what he does have is spotless diction and a gripping command of tall tales.

Though he looks thoroughly unassuming, do not be deceived by this man. Astronautalis is the kind of wordsmith who will charm his way into your house, eat your dinner, make your mother laugh and before you know it, have married you and disappeared into the night with all the family jewels. He will do this by talking. I know it sounds like I’m writing about pathological liar and not a musician, but that is the kind of feeling you get listening to his lyrics. Every story is true and everything he says is a lie.

The combination of these fisherman’s tales with the almost Steampunk-esque beats is a match made in heaven for people who appreciate a sort of eclecticism in their Hip-Hop or the kind of genre crossing music created by people like the aforementioned Nick Cave and Tom Waits. The album to start with if you want to get into Astronautalis is called Pomegranate, as it features his most focused work to date as well as some of his most riveting stories. We don’t even get one song into the album before he’s on the run from the law and wooing married women. In fact, “The Wondersmith And His Sons“ is one of his best songs and if it hooks you like it hooked me, don’t be surprised, it’s a damn fine piece of music.

So that’s about it. I hate coming up with clever endings, so to close out, I wish you well and hope that you continue to enjoy the music. Cheers.

Recommended Listening:

The Mighty Ocean And Nine Dark Theaters (2006, Fighting Records)

Pomegranate (2008, Eyeball Records)

Tracklist:

01: “The Wondersmith And His Sons”

02: “Skeleton (Everybody’s Favorite)”

03: “Two Years Before The Mast”

04: “Astigmatism”

05: “A Love Song For Gary Numan”

06: “Trouble Hunters”

07: “Be Careful Of What You Wish For” (Produced by zoën)

(The names on the Tracklist are correct. Not all names in the player are. But the numbers line up.)

What I'm Looking Forward To: In 2011 Pt. 2.

Picking up right where we left off…

-Onry Ozzborn-

Onry Ozzborn has been prolific these past few years. From 2008 to last year he’s released at least an album a year, but usually more. From The Gigantics epic Die Already to the trippy psychedelia of Dark Time Sunshine’s debut album Vessel, the man has kept up a consistent quality of work and productivity that puts other acts in local Hip-Hop to shame. That being said, he also seems to stay out of the spotlight that usual shines on the big names in Seattle Hip-Hop while remaining their equal, if not their better.

At the end of 2010 Onry dropped his sixth solo album, NO HOAX, for free download via Fake Four Inc. The album is a solid release on it’s own but it’s also designed to get people prepared for Hold On For Dear Life, purported to be Onry’s last solo album. What this means I don’t know for sure. Is he retiring entirely? Probably not considering he seems to be at the top of his game right now. Hopefully it simply means more collaborations in the future. But nonetheless, it makes me nervous/excited to hear this record. For your listening pleasure: “The Needle” off of NO HOAX. The song is Onry’s send up to Seattle and it’s music scene. Good stuff.

-Mogwai-

Of the pretentiously titled Post-Rock genre, Mogwai is one of the bands I am least familiar with. The Scottish band is known for down tempo, guitar-fueled instrumental rock that works like watching an ocean storm with lots of crests and waves ebbing and flowing throughout their music. In terms of the Mogwai I’ve heard, it’s pretty transcendental stuff. That being said, they’ve got a new album coming out on Sub Pop on February 15^th, the brilliantly christened Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will. The two songs I’ve heard from it so far are both excellent, the decidedly rockist “San Pedro” being good, but the slower and space-fuzzed “Rano Pano” is certainly my favorite of the two. If the rest of the album is as consistent as these two tracks, then it should be worth your time and another feather in Sub Pop’s cap. If you want to hear “Rano Pano” just scroll down.

-Twilight Singers-

For a very long time, I wasn’t really into Greg Dulli’s stuff. I can take or leave The Afghan Whigs, but goddamn if the Twilight Singers have not become one of my favorite bands as of late. And just in time to find out that Dynamite Steps, their newest album, will be released by Sub Pop on February 15^th of this year (yes, the same day as Mogwai. I’m so frickin’ excited.) Greg Dulli’s dark tales of misplaced love, desperate confessions and life after the sun sets on a shady city are backed by smoky, piano and electronic laced Rock that proves that you don’t have to be confined to 12 bars to sing the blues. If this new record is half as good as Powder Burns then it’s going to be a doozy. Damn. Sub Pop’s doing something right this year. For your listening pleasure: I’ve got a cut off Dynamite Steps called “On The Corner.” Hope you like it.

-Saul Williams-

I feel we should close with something special. And I can’t think of anything more special than a new Saul Williams album. Saul being one of the two guys I credit with getting me into Hip-Hop, whenever he drops something new it’s a sign of good things to come. It’s going to be difficult to top the sheer levels of awesomeness he achieved with The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust! But the first single to be released from the new album, “Explain My Heart,” is a nice indication of a solid album. Admittedly, it showcases Saul singing more than rapping, but that’s ok as his singing voice has always been good and seems to be getting better overtime. The vocals on this track even sound a bit like TV on the Radio harmonies.

The album doesn’t have a set release date yet, so we’re going to have to wait in the cold for a little. But there is not reason not to pick it up when it comes out. Even if you think you don’t like Hip-Hop, Saul will change your mind, just like he changed mine. Added bonus: the album’s name is Volcanic Sunlight. I’m ready. For your listening pleasure: “Explain My Heart.”

And that, ladies and gentlemen, wraps up our two parter on what I’m looking forward to in 2011. Of course, there’s a lot more set to happen out there, more bands making more music that even I don’t know about, but hopefully I’ve given you something to look forward to as well. Until next time. Cheers!

Inaugural Post: What I'm Looking Forward To: In 2011 Pt. 1.

So. 2010 totally happened… I know right? I was there too. In terms of the world we still appear to be here. In terms of music a lot fucking happened. But that’s not what we’re here to gander about at this moment in time. We are here to gander about 2011 and how there’s a lot of stuff that’s coming down the pipeline. Good shit too. For today’s post (incidentally our first non-administrative post,) I’m going to take you through a tour of some things I’m most excited about this coming year. Musically speaking, there’s a lot to look forward to. And hey! If you’re new to this blog you will want to check out the media player at the bottom of the post. Ya’ see, my friends, once you’ve finished reading about all this great sounding music, your ears may find themselves thirsty to actually hear it. Well, look no further than the media player! There I have assembled a selection of songs for your ears to drink in. Is your brain happy at the thought of it? Good. It should be. Get thee to reading!

-The Lonely Forest-

The Lonely Forest have fucking superpowers when it comes to writing music. It doesn’t seem to matter who you are, how old or young, where you come from or what you normally listen to. You (yes, You) are destined to like The Lonely Forest. I don’t know why. Is it the blend of powerful guitars and indie rock sensibility? Is it John Van Deusen’s beautifully honest and poetic lyrics? Is it the overwhelming sense of hope and wonder their songs generate? It’s probably all of these things. Their most recent release is their Self-Titled E.P., which is pointing in the direction of their next full-length album, Arrows, due out sometime in this next year. No release date as of yet, but the very anticipation of it’s existence is exciting.

For your listening pleasure, I have included “Turn Off This Song And Go Outside” form their Self-Titled E.P. The song is ironically named seeing as how I have never, not once been inspired to turn it off while listening to it. My guess is that you will feel the same.

-Fresh Espresso-

Seattle’s suavest Party Hip-Hop band Fresh Espresso (the core duo of which features P Smoov of Mad Rad and Rik Rude) are quite possibly set to replace the Blue Scholars as Seattle’s premier Hip-Hop act entirely. All they need to do is release a superior collection of songs to their now borderline debut album, Glamour. But if the new songs they’ve been playing the last two times I saw them are any indication, the new album (as of yet untitled and unset for release date) is going to be quite solid. Seeing as how Mad Rad’s sophomore album failed to surpass the quality of their debut, the title of Seattle’s Best Party Band is also up for grabs. Champagne Champagne could grab it I suppose, but it would not surprise me if Fresh Espresso snapped up both previously mentioned crown and scepter in one fell swoop.

For your listening pleasure: Fresh Espresso’s contribution to the 4 The Love Of Music Compilation, “Sunglasses On.” “I’m an awful boyfriend/I’m an awesome drug fiend.”

-Gang Of Four-

Post-Punk Revival is one thing, but unearthing is another all together. I joke of course. Gang Of Four, for those who don’t know, were one of the first wave of Post-Punk bands in the late 70’s and early 80’s, (a movement of music that would eventually be dubbed New Wave.) Known for their bitingly political lyrics and their angular Guitar/Bass/Drum sound, Gang Of Four one of the landmark bands of their era. Without them, many bands, from Bloc Party to Death From above 1979, would never have existed. What’s amazing is that Jon King and Andy Gill, the core duo behind Gang OF Four, are still together and making music with a changing guard of rhythm section.

This year, on January 25^th, they are releasing their first album of new material in who knows how long. It’s called Content and I’m looking forward to it quite a bit. Will it be as groundbreaking as their classic Entertainment! album? Probably not. But will it be good? My guess is yes. For your listening pleasure: the rerecorded version of “Damaged Goods,” Gang Of Four’s classic song of mixed metaphors examining love, lust and consumerism.

-Monotonix-

Israeli Garage Rock Wunderkind Monotonix have returned for their latest collection of frizzy-haired, wide-eyed, blood-splattered, flammable cocktail of skuzz Rock cannonballs. The one small failing of Monotonix albums so far is that their recordings have not been able to equal their live shows sheer level of mayhem (see picture for details.) But this next album could be the release that changes all that. If you like some fuzzy distortion for breakfast, coupled with howling vocals and combustive vigor like a flaming stallion on PCP all lit up like a Christmas tree, then Monotonix is for you. For your listening pleasure: A new cut off Not Yet, the upcoming album by Monotonix.

-Queens Of The Stone Age-

So last year it was announced through Josh Homme’s Rekords Rekords that Queens Of The Stone Age would be re-releasing their long out-of-print and hard to find Self-Titled debut album. This was supposed to happen in November but then it got delayed to this January, where it was delayed… again. It’s currently indefinitely delayed, but my guess is that it will be out by the end of the year, at which point Robot Rock Desert Dancing will commence. "These Aren’t The Droids You’re Looking For"… Indeed.

To be Continued…