32. ACTION BRONSON & PARTY SUPPLIES - Blue Chips I really wish Pitchfork would just go back to solely reviewing things that fall under the umbrella of "rock" music. They need to hang it up when it come to the rap, R&B, pop, etc. as they just don't have the ability to seamlessly incorporate it into their forte: underground rock, experimental music, etc. Here's an excerpt from their review about this hip-hop mixtape: They're half right...it is a total wreck...but it's not fascinating. I guess at a certain point they just hear so much stuff that anything that sticks out as different is interesting? I don't know. It's such a frustrating site for me: some stuff they do so well and I'm really interested in and then they're a trainwreck on the other stuff. I've discovered a lot of interesting hip-hop from Pitchfork, so maybe I shouldn't complain, but it's almost like they review it to have a certain amount of "cred" or something instead of it being their passion. I had a tough time getting through this one.
John Tavener: Akathist of Thanksgiving (1994), for choir, orchestra, organ and soloists. It took a few seconds to get into. The opening sounded to me like The Red Army Choir trying their hand at Mongolian throat singing, but it doesn't take to long for me to settle into a Tavener soundscape.
31. SPIRITUALIZED - Sweet Heart, Sweet Light (2012) Needless to say, I rather enjoy this one. Rare is the band that can employ grand orchestral arrangements and still sound powerful and fiery. No BS gloss covering up a lack of substance. Everything here is calculated and measured and on purpose. I finally got to see these guys live last year and it was incredible. One of the best shows I've been to in a long time.
The Very Best of Michael Nyman: Film Music 1980-2001. This guy is a master of scoring movies, IMO. If you haven't had your fill of disturbing images today, hit youtube to check the opening credits of "A Zed and Two Naughts." Edit: what the hell, you're all grown ups. Might not be suitable for work, esp. w/o headphones.
30. THE MEN - Open Your Heart (2012) Wasn't aware of this band before the project, but thoroughly enjoyed this album. Definitely one I'll revisit soon. SAMPLES
29. CAT POWER - Sun (2012) Cat Power is somebody I've always felt like I should be a big fan of, but the albums as a whole never really delivered to me. Some individual songs are fantastic, (I loved her recording of "The Greatest" for instance), but I've never been really into it as a whole. I always revisit her albums though hoping one of them will finally click for me and in that regard, Sun didn't disappoint. I plan on buying this eventually as I've found myself wanting to listen to it over the past several weeks and not just feeling like I should give it a try. SAMPLES
heard this song called Blank Maps last nite by Cold Specks and I really can't get it outta my mind...click on the MP in the first link in order to take a listen... http://blog.kexp.org/2012/06/14/song-of-the-day-cold-specks-blank-maps/ this is the album review... http://www.syffal.com/album-review-cold-specks-i-predict-a-graceful-expulsion