Sitting with Satoshi Ashikawa's Still Way.
Okay. I'm going out on a limb this week, I hope you'll join me.
Plugs
New music and artistic projects that pass the rigid The Tonearm test, recommended by the editors.
The Mattson 2
Vaults Of Eternity: Japan
Toro y Moi: Outer Peace
Welcome back to week three of the Spotlight On Blog's Three Weeks Of Toro y Moi Albums Event. That's what it's called I just decided.
Hiroshi Yoshimura: Wet Land
Damn. Hiroshi Yoshimura gets me chilled the hell out.
John Lurie National Orchestra: The Invention Of Animals
The Invention Of Animals is sort of a "Best Of John Lurie" record, pulling original tracks written for Fishing With John. That show's a classic, and the genesis of the off-beat, meditative TV genre as far as I'm concerned. See also: How To with John Wilson and Chillin Island.
Kendrick Lamar: Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers
Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers is maybe the purest Kendrick Lamar Concept Album yet. The striking new production direction is here, the bars and the songwriting are here, the narrative arc is here. And we've even been treated to another helping of controversy, for flavor.
Nheap: Clouds Under The Table
Nheap is the nom de guerre of Italian drummer/composer Massimo Discepoli. The projects he puts out as Nheap are ethereal, mostly mellow electronic excursions accompanied by his own live acoustic drum work. 'Clouds Under The Table' marks his third collection as Nheap.
Alejandro Florez & Tibagui: Malandanza
Alejandro Florez's Tibagui exists to explore and expand upon the Andean music of the guitarist's native Colombia. Neither cumbia nor chichi, Florez's quartet use traditional folk melodies as starting points for very modern, sophisticated and engaging improvisations.
Animation: Agemo
One of the more intriguing albums issued in the first half of 2011, Animation's 'Asiento' (RareNoise, 2011), has now begotten one of the best sets of the latter part of the year.
Miho Wada: Para Ti
Good things can indeed come in small packages. Flutist Miho Wada's Para Ti, for example, clocks in at just a hair over 20 minutes, with five melodic and catchy songs that manage to combine sharp musicianship with a sense of whimsy and fun.