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SPOTLIGHT 244
19/04/2010 11:42
the Spot Light #244
d.d. Monday, April 19th, 2010
NEW RELEASES
CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS
MELNIK - MELNIK CITY (CD/BASSICK) A wonderful album by a talented singer-songwriter, backed by skilled musicians. Purity, sincerity and intensity are the standard. Raw, honest and driven, that's the sound. Fans of Neil Young, take note!
NICK RIFF - PHOTON SHIFT (CD/RIFFDISC) Nick Riff, psych wizard from Ohio has returned! This time Nick played all the instruments by himself as well as did the vocals. The music still is his usual great combination of psychedelic rock, space rock, garage, The Beatles and punk but there are also elements of prog and folk. The wild guitar solos, one of Nick's trademarks, are of course also included, as well as spacey synthesizers and also electric sitar. The excellent lyrics deal with the destruction of our world, cosmic love and mind-expansion in general.
SMELL OF INCENSE - A CURIOUS MISCELLANY (CD-LP/SEPTEMBER GURLS) This impressive Norwegian band weaves a rich and colourful musical tapestry, incorporating influences from the Canterbury Scene, British folk rock from the 60s and 70s, US acid/west coast rock and breezy, baloonesk sunshinepop. They incorporate viola, sitar, mellotron in their sound. This compilation, covering the time between 1992 and 2007, contains songs from early singles, compilations, demos, alternative mixes plus a previously unreleased track from the sessions for their third album 'Of Ullages and Dottles'. There also are some covers of songs known from 60s psych bands s.a. United States Of America, Peanut Butter Conspiracy, West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band, 50 Foot Hose...
TEMPLE OF L.I.B. - MY NAME IS MAGIC (CD-LP/SEPTEMBER GURLS) This new project of Stefan Lienemann (alias Limo of Fit & Limo, Discolor, Shiny Gnomes) starts where Fit & Limo sadly left off. 'Temple...' shifts the emphasis towards psychedelic, song-orientated, British 60s folk rock, encompassing US west coast vibes and wyrd folk. Meditative, tribalistic free-form mantras are highlighted by Tara Burke's (Fursaxa, ) mysterious, artful, otherworldly vocal appearances. 'My Name Is Magic' is an excellent, trance-inducing acid folk album, suitable for fans of f.i. Lamp of the Universe, Incredible String Band, Forest and John Fahey's influential guitar picking.
RAZOR - SHOTGUN JUSTICE (LP/HIGH ROLLER) Euro release with new artwork and insert. Punishing and relentless, Shotgun Justice is brutal, intense and downright disagreeable music. This is Razor's sixth studio album and the first one with vocalist Bob Reid, bringing you the cult-classic speed/thrash you've been missing for a long time. First time ever on vinyl!
DAVID MARANHA - ANTARCTICA (LP/ROARATORIO) Two side-long excursions into monolithic drone-rock, more or less in the vein of Tony Conrad & Faust, 'Venus In Furs', La Monte Young and Terry Riley. Maranha is known from his work with avant trio Osso Exotico and his collaborations with f.i. Zév and Minit. This is another fascinating effort. 300 copies with silkscreened covers and digital download coupon.
CRYONIC - KINGS OF AVALON (LP/HIGH ROLLER) Another great Scandinavian metal release! Eleven exciting tracks among which 'Avalon', 'No More', 'Demon', and 'Seven Doors'. Includes lyric sheet.
REVEREND BEAT-MAN - RADIO JINGLE/I DON'T NEED NO COCAINE, I JUST NEED MY HOT ROD/YOU ARE ON TOP (7"/GET HIP) Three killer exclusive songs by Switzerland's king of trash garage punk surreal blues! This is raw, wild, in-your-face, nasty and intoxicating r&r at its very best! The radio jingle in which Beat-Man introduces himself to the listener is a blast. The other two songs are a true explosion of garage-punk mayhem. The real thing!
STATUES - UP TIME (7"/P.TRASH) These Canadians don't only have a brand new album, 'Holiday Cops', they also release this cool and exclusive Euro tour 7". Features an alternative version of 'Up Time', with a contribution from a keyboard player who suddenly gives the song a sorta Devo-feel. On the flip you get an original tune plus a fine Buzzcocks cover.
VARIOUS - FANAJANA (LP/MISSISSIPPI) 'A Collection of Recordings and Photography from Madagasikara'. Over a three year period in the late 1990s, Charlie Brooks embarked on two long field recording trips in Madagasikara. Brooks primarily concentrated on the more remote north and west regions of the island. Upon his return he pressed 200 copies of a triple record and stored them under his bed for the last ten years. This LP offers a selection of those three themed LP's ('Vocal', 'Valiha Marovany' and 'Miscellaneous Instruments'), compiling seventeen tracks. Comes with a twelve page booklet of photography and notes.
60’s & 70’s & 80’s (RE-)RELEASES AND ARTISTS + OTHER OLDIES
RANGE RATS - THE RANGE RATS (LP/MISSISSIPPI) An exciting LP, recorded in 1986 and unreleased until now. This is the great lost country album recorded by Fred and Toody Cole (Lollipop Shoppe/Weeds. Dead Moon, Pierced Arrows, Rats a.o.), presenting us with sad, intense ballads as well punk fuelled outings. All original songs, very lo-fi sounding and housed in an old school tip on sleeve!
EXPECTED RELEASES
CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS
ZEA - THE BEGINNER (CD/MAKKUM) Four years after 'Insert Parallel Universe' Zea at long last returns to earth with a new full length album, 'The Beginner'. Zea, these days solely existing of Arnold de Boer (who also is the new vocalist of The Ex), once again comes up with a very diverse collection of intriguing tracks, varying from Ethiopian tunes to a Leadbelly cover with Fall-lyrics and many equally adventurous excursions in between.
PHANTOM DOG BENEATH MOON - THE TREES, THE SEA IN A LUNAR STREAM (CD/RUSTED RAIL) This duo previously was responsible for an acclaimed album under the moniker Snowmachine. As Phantom Dog Beneath Moon they combine many elements (ranging from mysterious avant-folk to spooked shoegaze, and from modern composition to indie rock) and atmospheres. Instruments these two talented musicians use include vocals, guitars, piano, cello, glockenspiel, bass guitar, melodica, double bass, harpsichord, vibraphone and electronics. An ambitious recording with many experimental textures. The album is housed in a hand-assembled and hand stamped recycled card sleeve. 
STONEBRIDE - SUMMON THE WAVES (CD/SETALIGHT) The second release from this fine Croatian stoner quartet through the independent German label Setalight, housed in a beautiful digipack. Musically the album is a mixture of heavy blues, ambient trance rock, alternative, psychedelic and space rock, topped off with melodic vocals'.
STONEBRIDE - SUMMON THE WAVES (CD/SETALIGHT) The second release from this fine Croatian stoner quartet through the independent German label Setalight, housed in a beautiful digipack. Musically the album is a mixture of heavy blues, ambient trance rock, alternative, psychedelic and space rock, topped off with melodic vocals'. 
URUK-HAI - BLACK BLOOD, WHITE HAND (CD/STURMKLANG) This is the most varied album and the absolute highlight in the 10-year history of this Austrian band. Epical, gloomy black metal hymns go along with fairy-like soundscapes and guide the listener through a unique acoustic journey on the most hidden paths of Middle Earh. Eleven songs and one video-clip in a mystical digipack.
UFOMAMMUT - EVE (LP-CD+DVD/ SUPERNATURALCAT) Fifth official album by Italy's most cerebral doom act. 'Eve' (comprised of one 45 minute atmospheric track, divided into five distinct movements) is a living homage to the first woman on Earth, and the rebellion to her creator for bringing knowledge to mankind. 'Eve' marks a new step in the sonic adventure that is Ufomammut, and explores another level in the band's research.
STATUES - HOLIDAY COPS (LP/P.TRASH) Yes! One of Canada's finest punk-pop units has a new album! 'Holiday Cops' features ten brand new compositions with splendid melodies. Devo and The Wipers are among the names which the Statues mention as their influences.
STATUES - NEW PEOPLE MAKES US NERVOUS (LP/P.TRASH) Since their new album is sure to make new fans, P.Trash decided to spoil the newcomers with a new edition of this enjoyable, older title. On tasty, Bazooka Joe-pink vinyl.
DOLLYROTS - EAT MY HEART OUT (LP/DIONYSUS) Reissue (in a limited edition of 500) of this ultra-cool LP by the girl-fronted trio from LA. Dollyrots bring you a delicious collection of energetic, catchy indierock with a punky edge. Their notable song song 'Feed Me, Pet Me', was featured in an HP commercial!
AC4 - UMEA HARDCORE (7"/P.TRASH) A 7" vinyl filled with powerful hardcore, performed in a way that never goes out of style. AC4 hails from Umea in Sweden, the city which also brought you classic bands s.a. Refused and the Regulations.
60’s & 70’s & 80’s (RE-)RELEASES AND ARTISTS + OTHER OLDIES
VARIOUS - ANTHOLOGY OF NOISE & ELECTRONIC MUSIC VOL. 2 (3LP/SUB ROSA) This highly acclaimed collection now is available as triple vinyl LP in a luxurious triple gatefold sleeve. Features Wladimir Ussachevsky + Otto Luening, Autechre, Luc Ferrari, Laibach, Alan R. Splet, SPK, Tod Dockstader, Johanna M. Beyer, Morton Subotnick, Captain Beefheart, Robin Rimbaud / Scanner, Hugh Davies, Daphne Oram, Sun Ra, Kim Cascone, Yoshihiro Hanno, Meira Asher, Woody McBride, Lasse Steen / Choose, Arcane Device, Percy Grainger.
VARIOUS - I'M GOING WHERE WATER DRINKS LIKE WINE (LP/SUB ROSA) '18 Unsung Bluesmen Rarities 1923-29'. New volume of Sub Rosa's 'Fundamental' collection, which is dedicated to rare and lost recordings from '20 to '60's. Tracklist t.b.a.
VARIOUS - LE BEAT BESPOKÉ, VOL. 4 (LP/CIRCLE RECORDS) The fourth volume already of this highly enjoyable series, offering danceable gems from the late 60s and early 70s. Featured are tracks from a.o. East Of Eden, Le Coeur, The New Life, Jerry & Jeff, The Paper Train, Peaceful Coalition, Justine a.m.m.
NEWS
MISSING VINYL have announced a number of soon expected releases. MANTICORE'S BREATH is a new incarnation of Greek psych-prog unit Will-O-the Wisp. Their debut release is a 10" vinyl LP, offering two long tracks THAT are full of fuzz guitars, organs and powerful vocals in English. Also expected is a vinyl reissue of a wonderful South-African 70s progressive folk-album, 'Concept' by the band CANAMI. Other titles that will appear soon include reruns of both highly rated west-coast albums by THE CAROLYN HESTER COALITION (from '69 and'70), the first two long players by South African giants McCULLY WORKSHOP, the self titled LP by Krautrockers HANUMAN (1971) and a compilation featuring (mostly unreleased) material from Greek 70s psychedelic cult hero SOTIRIS KOMATSIOULIS.
For the fans of dark folk, dark ambient and industrial, STEINKLANG label and distribution expects new titles by HROSSHARSGRANT (with vocals by Bart Piette from DEAD MAN's HILL), NEBELKORONA, Swedish band STORMFAGEL and LE TESTAMENT DE LA LUMIERE.
RADIO
Last Saturday DELANEY DAVIDSON (album 'SELF DECAPITATION' out on VOODOO RHYTHM) made a notable appearance at the VPRO radio show 'Shouting Boots'. For those of you who missed the the broadcast and need a second chance, please visit: http://shoutingboots.radio6.nl/
SELECTED PRESS QUOTES
CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS
GUNSLINGERS - MANIFESTO ZERO (CD-LP/WORLD IN SOUND) reviewed by Joost Jan Meertens for Planet Trash (translated excerpt) Furious riffs with much noise and a high level of freakiness. ...There simply is no stopping these Frenchmen.
MAGICKAL FOLK OF THE FARAWAY TREE - THE SOUP & THE SHILLING (2CD/DESERTED VILLAGE) reviewed by Hans van der Linden for KindaMuzik (translated excerpt) The Magickal Folk Of The Faraway Tree are at least as interesting as their more experimental Irish counterparts.
DELANEY DAVIDSON - SELF DECAPITATION (CD-LP/VOODOO RHYTHM) reviewed by Zone5300 (translated excerpt) Swamp-like folk blues in which the spirits of Johnny Cash, Tom Waits and Brian Wilson linger.
MUSHROOM - NAKED, STONED & STABBED (CD/4ZERO) reviewed by Gerald van Waes for Psyche van het Folk (excerpt) ..these are all slow, slightly stoned vibes with a vaguely joyful nature...
60s & 70s & 80s (RE-)RELEASES AND ARTISTS + OTHER OLDIES
ROCK ISLAND - ROCK ISLAND (CD/GEARFAB) reviewed by Gerald van Waes for Psyche van het Folk (excerpt) ..they surely showed technical abilities, a convincing psych-rock grooviness, good guitar riffs, also interesting riffs on electric bass, tight drumming, acid Hammond organ, nice vocal harmonies...
LIVE
DEWOLFF (REMUSIC) selected dates - April 29: Den Haag, NL (Koninginnenach) / May 5: Leeuwarden, NL (Bevrijdingsfestival) and Groningen, NL (Bevrijdingsdfestival) / May 22: Tilburg (013) / May 30: Landgraaf, NL (Pinkpop) / June 5: Amersfoort (Highlands Festival) / June 26: Wateringen (Nederlanddrie) DEAD BROTHERS (VOODOO RHYTHM) April 29: Eindhoven, NL (Effenaar) / April 30 daytime: Deventer (Burgerweeshuis/Garden party!) + evening: Venlo, NL (Queensday fest) / June 4: Haarlem, NL (Patronaat)
HEX DISPENSERS (ALIEN SNATCH!) May 6: Groningen, NL (Vera) / May 21: Amsterdam, NL (OCCII) / May 23: Kortrijk, B (The Pits)
MAGNAPOP (BASSICK) May 13: Geraardsbergen, B (De Spiraal) / May 14: Maastricht, NL (Muziekgieterij) / May 15: -afternoon- Torhout, B (Masters @ work) / May 15: -evening- Arnhem, NL (Luxor) / May 16: Kasterlee, B (Kastival) / June 25: Amsterdam, NL (Melkweg) / June 26: Waasmunster, B (Vierschaarfeesten) / June 27: Genk (Festival On Stage)
SHEETAH ET LES WEISSMULLER (SCREAMING APPLE) May 22: Amsterdam, NL (OT301/Beatfestival)
C.W. STONEKING (VOODOO RHYTHM) May 29: Eindhoven, NL (Naked Song Festival/Muziek Centrum Frits Philips) / June 4: Haarlem, NL (Patronaat)
GÖSTA BERLINGS SAGA (TRANSUBSTANS) July 16: Haarlem, NL (Patronaat) / July 17: to be announced later this month
DUNGEN (SUBLIMINAL SOUNDS) July 17: Tilburg, NL (013) / July 18: Nijmegen (Valkhof/Affaire festival) / July 19: Amsterdam, NL (Paradiso) t.b.c.
KENTIN JIVEK (S.R.) spring-summer 2010
SIENA ROOT (HEAD SPIN, TRANSUBSTANS) June 19: Zwolle (Eureka) t.b.a.
GRAVES BROTHERS DELUXE (GREEN COOKIE) spring-summer 2010 t.b.a. THINGUMA JIG*SAW (DESERTED VILLAGE) 2010 t.b.a.
Blog
Previous editions:
06/09/2010 11:47 SPOTLIGHT 264
30/08/2010 11:42 SPOTLIGHT 263
24/08/2010 11:09 SPOTLIGHT 262
18/08/2010 11:22 SPOTLIGHT 261
09/08/2010 11:31 SPOTLIGHT 260
02/08/2010 11:29 SPOTLIGHT 259
26/07/2010 11:16 SPOTLIGHT 258
20/07/2010 12:06 SPOTLIGHT 257
12/07/2010 12:22 SPOTLIGHT 256
05/07/2010 11:52 SPOTLIGHT 255
29/06/2010 11:34 SPOTLIGHT 254
21/06/2010 11:21 SPOTLIGHT 253
15/06/2010 11:37 SPOTLIGHT 252
07/06/2010 11:43 SPOTLIGHT 251
31/05/2010 11:35 SPOTLIGHT 250
25/05/2010 12:20 SPOTLIGHT 249
19/05/2010 11:48 SPOTLIGHT 248
10/05/2010 11:26 SPOTLIGHT 247
03/05/2010 11:46 SPOTLIGHT 246
26/04/2010 12:04 SPOTLIGHT 245
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